CHICAGO, IL.- The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the nation’s leading art and design schools, announced a $1 million gift from Diane v. S. and Robert M. Levy. The donation will support need-based scholarships for undergraduate students, as well as the school’s Annual Fund.

Available for the 2015 academic year, the gift will establish the Diane v. S. and Robert M. Levy Scholarships, supporting SAIC’s long-standing commitment to providing a world-class art and design education for all students, regardless of economic background.

“We are so grateful to Bob and Diane for their generous support of our students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago,” said SAIC President Walter Massey. “The Levys are tremendous supporters of the arts, and their commitment to serving SAIC and our museum cannot be overstated. Their gift will have a great impact on the lives of our students, and we look forward to naming our inaugural Diane v. S. and Robert M. Levy Scholars next fall.”

Robert Levy, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer for U.S. Equities at Harris Associates LP, is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Art Institute of Chicago governing both the museum and the school. He has been on the board since 2009 and, with his wife, has supported the school and museum in many ways, including serving as the naming donor of the Diane v. S. and Robert M. Levy Gallery in the museum’s Modern Wing.

“Since becoming deeply involved with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and its museum five years ago, I have had the wonderful opportunity to see the school continue to grow and develop as a top-tier higher education institution,” said Bob Levy. “Under Dr. Massey’s leadership and vision, Diane and I have the utmost confidence that our gift will make a meaningful impact for many students and help carry on the school’s tradition of producing some of the best art and design professionals and scholars in the world.”