Bloomfield College Gets $1.5M Pledge From President, Trustee Chairman

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A pair of Bloomfield College community members have pledged to give nearly $1.5 million dollars to the school via their estates, administrators say.

According to a school news release, the seven-figure pledge from President Richard Levao and Chairman of the Board of Trustees William Turner III will help to empower underrepresented local youth and help them acquire the skills, fortitude and services needed to access and succeed in college.

"This seven-figure investment from the leadership of Bloomfield College speaks volumes to the level of commitment both these dignified leaders have made to the college, its students, and its mission," said Jackie Bartley, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. "As we near the college's 150th anniversary, I have no doubt the legacy they are leaving behind will continue to positively impact the college for the next 150 years."

"Many years ago, my wife, Judy, and I made a commitment to put a percentage of our income toward our philanthropic interests," Turner said. "Bloomfield College is an extraordinary place that transforms lives, which is why Judy and I consider this a very significant philanthropic endeavor."

According to a college news release, Turner joined the Bloomfield College Board of Trustees in 2011 and was elected chair in 2015.

For over 34 years, Turner served in multiple capacities with Chase Bank and its predecessor, Chemical Bank, including as senior vice president of the International Division-Middle East and Africa. He later assumed the position of vice chairman of Chase. He served as president and co-CEO of Franklin Electronic Publishers, and president and CEO of PNC Bank. He also formerly served as senior advisor for Opera Solutions.

After retiring from banking, Turner served as the founding dean of the College of Business at Stony Brook University and later assumed the role of acting dean of the Business School at Montclair State University. In addition, for over 35 years, he has served on the board of International College of Beirut.

Levao, who practiced law for 29 years and was a partner at the national law firm Drinker Biddle & Reath, has served as President of Bloomfield College for the last 13 years.

Levao currently serves as chair of the New Jersey Presidents' Council. He is also a member of the Executive Board of the World Technopolis Association, an affiliate of UNESCO, located in Daejon, South Korea.

Photo of Richard Levao: Bloomfield College

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