Thomas Edwin Leavitt ’71, J.D.’75, P’10, a alumnus, trustee emeritus, and dedicated advocate for education, died June 15, 2025, in Seattle. He was 76.
Leavitt's connection to Puget Sound began in the 1960s when he first visited campus for a high school debate sponsored by the School of Education and the National Forensic League. He enrolled in 1968, majoring in political science and English literature. During his time at the university, he demonstrated remarkable leadership skills, eventually becoming president of the Associated Students of the (ASUPS). He organized campus discussions around student involvement in university governance and was the first ASUPS president to serve as an ex officio member of the board of trustees, acting as a formal representative for the student body. During his time at Puget Sound, Leavitt teamed up with other students and faculty to establish a scholarship for Tacoma-area students of color.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1971, Leavitt went on to graduate from Puget Sound’s law school in 1975. He worked with the National Urban League and later pursued careers in law and business while volunteering with nonprofits. He was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1990 and served multiple terms of service to the board spanning 25 years, including election as a trustee emeritus in 2005, and again in 2015 when he completed his final period of service on the board.
"As a student, trustee, and philanthropist, Tom broke barriers as a champion for access to education, and his visionary leadership ensured future generations of Loggers could pursue their dreams without financial burden,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “His spirit of service and his commitment to the transformative power of a liberal arts education will forever inspire our community.
In 2014, Leavitt and his family created the Leavitt Family Endowed Scholarship, a testament to their own experiences as leaders on campus and their deep passion for civic engagement. The scholarship recognizes academic excellence and service to the community and university, going beyond typical career paths. In 2021, Tom, his wife Darcy Goodman J.D.’75, P’10, their children Adrien and Alex, and Adrien’s wife Elene Trujillo expanded it to cover full tuition for four years, ensuring recipients could graduate debt-free while pursuing service-oriented careers. In 2016, he received the Council’s Service to Puget Sound Award.
“Tom was a pillar of the Puget Sound community whose leadership shaped the university for decades,” said Beth Picardo ’83, J.D. ’86, chair of the board of trustees. “His commitment to education and service will live on through the scholarship and the countless lives he touched.”
Leavitt is survived by his wife, Darcy; their children Adrien (Elene) and Alex ’10; and granddaughter Paloma Luz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Leavitt Family Garden at the Kline Galland Home, 7500 Seward Park Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118.