Herbert Levine, Economics professor at Penn from 1960 to 2006, died in June, succumbing to complications from leg surgery after battling prostate cancer for the past 15 years.
He was 78.
Receiving his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard University, Levine specialized in Soviet economics. His insights were "in demand during the period leading up to the dissolution of the Soviet system," according to a statement from fellow Economics professor Lawrence Klein.
Levine published several articles on his area of expertise, yet he never failed to acknowledge the importance of the broader study of economics.
Winning several awards for excellence in teaching at Penn, including the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Kravis Prize for Distinction in Undergraduate Teaching, Levine was highly regarded among students.
"Econ 1 is large, but [my dad] would call on people by name; he just taught that way, and people cared for his courses," said daughter and College alumna Jan Levine.
Former student and 1964 College alumnus Ted Kozloff echoed Levine's reverence for her father.
"Herb was a seminal figure in my education," Kozloff said. "There were maybe one or two teachers in my lifetime that had an effect like Herb."
Kozloff added that Levine "enjoyed enormous popularity, and there was enormous respect for him."
And that respect remained prominent over his 47-year career at Penn.
Levine was Elizabeth Goldstein's dissertation advisor in 1982.
Goldestein said he was "the most fabulous advisor anybody could ask for."
She added, "He was rigorous but understanding and had an amazing gift for being able to guide people through very difficult and high-level economic theory."
In addition to his well-respected academics, many former students also noted Levine's warmth and devotion to his personal life.
"Many people excel in their careers and forget their personal life, but Herb didn't," said former student Edward LaPuma.
Levine's funeral was held June 14 in Trovose, Pa.
He is survived by his wife, Helene Levine, daughters Jan and Judith Levine, sister Myra Heller and three grandchildren.
His son, Jonathon, predeceased him.
