From a distance, the globe-shaped sculpture on the fourth floor of the new West Wing of Alan Magee Scaife Hall resembles a child’s construction toy—its silvery, gear-shaped panels seem to float around a red flower blooming within.

Up close, it’s a tribute to Arthur S. Levine, an MD and Distinguished University Professor, who was the John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine and senior vice chancellor for the health sciences from 1998 through 2020. In that role, Levine helped elevate the prominence of the School of Medicine and the health sciences. Among his many lasting contributions, he oversaw the creation of 10 academic departments and 10 major centers and institutes, including the Brain Institute, where he serves as executive director.

“This symbolizes our respect, recognition and gratitude for everything Arthur Levine has done,” Levine’s successor, Dean Anantha Shekhar, an MD, PhD, said at the unveiling of the sculpture on Sept. 13.  

The sculpture, “Glimpses of Genes Through a Virus,” is based on Levine’s research on simian virus 40. “This was one of the earliest demonstrations of how a virus can cause cancer,” Levine explained. The sculptor, Byron Rubin, is a scientist.

“It is intended to represent Dr. Levine’s deep and broad interests in science, from the most fundamental to aspects directly applicable to human health, from which Pitt benefited so tremendously,” says Jeremy Berg, PhD associate senior vice chancellor for science strategy and planning in the health sciences.

Read more from the Fall 2023 issue.