SUNY Statement on the Death of Sanford H. Levine

Sanford H. Levine was the longest-serving University Counsel in the history of SUNY.  Generations of Chancellors, Trustees, Administration colleagues, and Presidents relied on his advice and counsel.  His professionalism as an attorney enjoyed the respect, not only of clients, but also of the national community of lawyers.  He was elected President of the National Association of College and University Attorneys in 1986 and received in 1997 a Life Membership award from the Association. 

Mr. Levine served as University Counsel and Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs from 1979-1996.  He spent almost his entire career in SUNY’s Counsel’s Office and then at the State University at Albany where he was Service Professor of Education and Director of the Program in Education and Law.

Board of Trustees Chairman Carl T. Hayden said, “Today we pause from our labors and reflect on Sandy Levine and a life well-lived.  Our collective grief is softened by the knowledge that Sandy’s contributions to higher education and the law continues to sustain SUNY and extends beyond our university and New York State to the national service organization he led.  Sandy was a skillful lawyer, inspiring teacher and exemplary public servant and his like will not soon pass this way again.”

Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher acknowledged his service and the respect he enjoyed.  “The State University of New York has lost one of its most dedicated servants.  He represented the University with imagination and integrity and left an indelible mark on the community of university and college attorneys.” 

“His example lights our way today,” said Nicholas Rostow, SUNY’s University Counsel and Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs.  “He was a giant in the field of education law and in the history of the State University of New York.  His counsel will be sorely missed.”

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