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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Nancy
Gardner (206) 543-2580
nancylou@u.washington.edu
DATE:
February 23, 2007
 The University of Washington Business School announced today
that Leonard Lavin, founder and chairman emeritus of the
Alberto-Culver Company, has donated $2 million to establish
the Leonard and Bernice Lavin Entrepreneurial Action Program
(LEAP).
"The Lavins' exceptionally generous gift will strengthen the Business School's
reputation as one of the nation's premier centers for entrepreneurship studies," said
Dean James Jiambalvo. "This new program will help attract top students with
entrepreneurial aspirations and produce graduates with the drive and skills to
succeed. He is truly a living legend in marketing and advertising."
The goal of LEAP is to produce a new generation of successful entrepreneurs from
the UW Business School. Lavin, who attended the UW prior to serving in the navy
during World War II, has received numerous awards for his philanthropic, civic
and business endeavors. In 1993, he was inducted into the Merchandising Executives
Club Hall of Fame. In 2001, he was awarded an honorary master's degree in business
administration from the UW.
"More than any other question I am asked, people want to know if we could
do now
what we did starting in the mid-fifties in terms of building a great company," said
Lavin. "I’d certainly like to think we could, and I think it is essential
for the future competitiveness of America for individuals with dreams and ideas
to be able to turn those into successful businesses. We want to help give others
a chance to realize the success Bernice and I have enjoyed. We hope Dean Jiambalvo’s
new program becomes a hallmark for real world education at the University of
Washington."
The LEAP program will be administered through the School's Center
for Innovation
and Entrepreneurship, which helps foster student entrepreneurs, providing them
with direct access to mentors from the business community and superb networking
opportunities. Special field trips, lecture series and internships will be a
part of the Lavin Entrepreneurial Action Program. Twenty-five undergraduate students
will be admitted to the program each year beginning in fall 2008.
Alberto-Culver was founded in 1955 when Leonard Lavin and his wife Bernice purchased
a small beauty supply company on the West Coast. The company's flagship product,
Alberto V05 Conditioning Hairdressing, had developed a strong following among
Hollywood stylists. Lavin took that product to the consumer marketplace using
innovative advertising and taking risks. Today, Alberto-Culver (NYSE: ACV) is
a global marketer with a broad range of beauty, personal care and household products
and sales approaching $1.5 billion.
Lavin is now chairman emeritus of the board and a director. The company operations
are directed by the Lavin’s daughter, Carol Lavin Bernick, who is executive
chairman. In addition to its product successes, the company has often been cited
for its innovative cultural and values initiatives. Alberto-Culver is based in
Melrose Park, IL, a suburb of Chicago.
The Lavins are also actively involved in the breeding and racing of thoroughbred
horses from their Glen Hill Farm in Ocala, Florida
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