Smithfield, RI – Bryant University announces a generous $1 million investment from Corey E. Levine '80 and the Ettenberg Foundation, of which Levine serves as executive director. This commitment supports the development of the Corey E. Levine '80 Dining Commons, an elevated dining experience and gathering place at the new Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC) at Bryant University.
The BELC represents a pivotal facet of Bryant campus transformation, the next phase of the university's growth as part of its Campus Master Plan and Vision 2030 strategic plan.
A Vision for the Future
A cornerstone of Bryant’s campus transformation, the BELC reflects the university's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, leadership, and real-world, interdisciplinary skills among its students. The center offers state-of-the-art resources for Bryant students and creates opportunities for mentorship and connection within the university network.
"This generous investment from Corey Levine and the Ettenberg Foundation is a strong endorsement of the Bryant experience, which is built upon community connections,” said President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “The Levine Dining Commons supports a vibrant center for dining and meaningful interactions among students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We are grateful for their significant contribution that will impact our campus and the student experience for generations."
A Legacy of Giving Back
Levine has long credited his success in the tax accounting profession to the education and experiences he gained at Bryant University. A dedicated alumnus, Levine has remained connected to the university, supporting its mission to provide students with a top-tier education through scholarships, the Accounting program, and Hillel.
"Bryant University played a significant role in shaping my career and personal growth," said Levine. "I am honored to give back to the institution that gave me so much. The Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center is an exciting new chapter for Bryant, and I am proud to be part of it. I hope this gift will inspire future generations of students to pursue their goals with the same passion and determination that Bryant instilled in me."
Enhancing the Student Experience
The Levine Dining Commons will be a dynamic space where the Bryant community can come together and engage in meaningful conversations over artisan meals from diverse eateries, including specialty pizza and pasta crafted in “Trattoria”; globally inspired entrees in “Fusion”; and dishes free from the nine major allergens in “Clarity.” The menu is designed by AVI, the country’s largest family-owned food and hospitality company, which transformed Bryant’s dining operations in 2023.
"The Levine Dining Commons is a place where students, faculty, and staff can connect and build relationships," says Vice President of Advancement David Wegrzyn ’86 P'23. "We are grateful to Corey and the Ettenberg Foundation for their vision and generosity. This investment will have a lasting impact on our campus and our students for years to come."
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students, and Chief Diversity Officer Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., emphasized the importance of spaces like the dining commons, which enhance the student experience at Bryant. "Our students thrive when they have opportunities to interact with peers, faculty, and industry professionals in informal settings," Ameer says. "The Corey E. Levine '80 Dining Commons will be a central part of that experience, providing a welcoming space for all members of our community to come together, learn from one another, and build lasting connections."
About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron’s. Bryant.edu
The Vision 2030 strategic plan sets an exciting trajectory for Bryant University, an institution committed to transformational learning experiences, exceptional outcomes, and developing passionate, purpose-driven leaders. Vision 2030 priorities include an ecosystem of academic excellence, vibrant student life, community and belonging, and economic mobility for all. Vision2030.Bryant.edu
