For Judge Anita Crawford-Willis, BA '82, JD '86 and Pervis Willis, the mission of Seattle U exemplifies their guiding principle
The mission of Seattle University resonates deeply and purposefully in the lives Judge Anita Crawford-Willis, BA ’82, JD ’86 and Pervis Willis.
Hon. Anita Crawford-Willis has served in volunteer leadership roles at Seattle University for more than 25 years. First with the Alumni Board of Governors, then the Board of Regents and currently as a Trustee, the mission of Seattle U has been part of her purpose for as long as she can remember.
Crawford-Willis grew up in the Central District and always felt drawn to Seattle U—even before she knew anything about Jesuit education. "It was God drawing me there. I do believe God directs us on our path," she says. When she finally made it to Seattle U as a student, she loved it. She explained, "My parents, who both worked at Boeing, didn’t complete college. My mother started college in Louisana, but didn’t finish. They were supportive, but they couldn’t guide me. At Seattle U, I had professors like Sister Mary C. Querin, Dr. Ronald Peterson, Frank Case, S.J. and Dr. C.B. Scharf who saw me, validated my goals and showed me exactly what I needed to do to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney."
Crawford-Willis added that her mother did go back to school years later and completed a certificate in alcohol counseling at Seattle U.
Asked why she has always been so passionate about Seattle U, Crawford-Willis says, "It was my time at Seattle U that has allowed me to walk in my destiny. When you are given such a gift, you have no choice but to lift others as you climb. Pervis and I really believe that."
This guiding principle is why volunteering and mentorship are so important to the couple. As Crawford-Willis put it, "Education is the key, especially for Black students. Belief in the mission of Seattle U is what sustains me as a volunteer and seeing young people walking in their purpose gives me joy."
During The Campaign for the Uncommon Good, Crawford-Willis and Pervis confirmed their legacy commitment to Seattle U. Their estate plans include a bequest to support scholarships for Black undergrad and law students. When thinking about their estate planning, they already knew what they were passionate about. A gift to Seattle U was the logical conclusion. Even though their daughter has probably attended more Seattle U basketball games than any other 6-year-old, they want Taylor Willis to know how important the university is to them.
Crawford-Willis recalled that there were many Black students on campus and a strong Black Student Union during her time as an undergrad. However, the student-driven scholarship created by BSU last year is providing even more inspiration and confirmation that they are making the right plans.
When asked if she had any advice for others who may be thinking of leaving a legacy gift to Seattle U, she says, "If you want your legacy to lift the next generation, just look at the education happening here at Seattle U— tomorrow’s leaders for a just and humane world are being created here."