Simon said he remembers his first class with Levin a decade ago. He especially recalled the professor's passion for America's social issues.
"'If you want to learn how Congress works or how the presidency works, you're in the wrong place,'" Levin had told the class. "'But if you want to learn about what makes America tick then this class is for you.'"
In addition to his devotion to American social issues, Levin also had a lighter side.
Simon remembered a sign Levin had posted on his door to keep students away while he was napping. It read, 'Professor Levin in the Sudan. Be Back Tuesday, 11:03.'
And, Simon recalled, Levin's dedication to his students was not limited to the classroom; sometimes, he would help them with their love lives.
After graduating from Harvard and earning his doctorate at Columbia, Levin taught at Columbia and served in the Navy before teaching at B.U., where he stayed for the next 35 years.
Levin has also served as a political analyst for the CBS, NBC and PBS television networks.
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