William “Bill” Neukom P ’94, a trustee emeritus and philanthropist, died July 14, 2025, in Seattle. He was 83.
Neukom’s connection to Puget Sound began through his daughter, Gillian Neukom Toledo ’94, who attended the university and later served on its board of trustees. Neukom joined the board of trustees in 1995, serving until 2006. Though not an alumnus — he graduated from Dartmouth College in 1964 and Stanford Law School in 1967 — his family's deep ties, including both his and Gillian's service on the board, strengthened his connection to the university.
Neukom’s legacy at Puget Sound is best exemplified by the Neukom Family Endowed Scholarship, which he created in 1997 with his four children. The scholarship was established with the goal of rewarding students who demonstrate academic excellence and a desire to improve their community. First awarded in 2001, it provides crucial financial assistance to students from traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education, prioritizing those from Pierce County who have participated in Puget Sound’s Access Programs or Summer Academic Challenge.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Neukom, whose generosity and vision had an immense impact on our university,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “His support provided a pathway for countless students to pursue their educational and career aspirations, and we will proudly carry that legacy forward.”
Jamilia Sherls ’05, was the first Neukom Scholar and now serves on the university’s board of trustees.
“Receiving the Neukom Scholarship was transformative, allowing me to acquire an exemplary education," Sherls said. “Puget Sound provided me with opportunities to learn how to think and write critically and become a stronger leader. These skills have been invaluable throughout my career, from graduate school to my current role. It's an honor now, as a trustee, to help ensure future generations of Loggers benefit from the same life-changing access Bill so passionately championed.”
The Neukom Family Foundation's continued support, including a significant $500,000 gift, has enabled the fund to grow to a level that will ultimately support full-tuition awards for future recipients, ensuring a new Neukom Scholar can be recruited each year. These gifts have also played a significant role in Puget Sound's broader fundraising efforts for student financial aid.
“Bill’s dedication to justice and education transformed lives,” said Beth Picardo ’83, J.D. ’86, chair of the board of trustees. “The Neukom Family Endowed Scholarship is a testament to his belief in equitable access to higher education, providing crucial support for talented students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Puget Sound. His generosity opened doors and strengthened our commitment to building a diverse and welcoming community. We’ll honor his legacy by upholding his values and continuing to champion access for all students.”
Beyond his work with Puget Sound, Neukom’s influence extended across the legal profession and beyond. After earning his law degree, he went on to become the chief lawyer at Microsoft for nearly 25 years, helping establish its legal department. He retired from the company in 2002 as its executive vice president of law and corporate affairs. His legal expertise continued to be sought after, and he later chaired the law firm K&L Gates from 2003 to 2007. For this work, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2006 from Puget Sound.
Neukom also dedicated himself to broader legal initiatives, serving as the American Bar Association president from 2007-2008, founding The World Justice Project, and sharing his knowledge by teaching a seminar on the rule of law at Stanford Law School. Neukom even ventured into the world of sports, serving as chief executive officer and managing partner of the San Francisco Giants baseball team from 2008 through 2011. Under his leadership, the Giants clinched the World Series in 2010, marking the team's first championship since moving to California in 1958.
Neukom is survived by his wife, Sally; daughters Gillian, Josselyn, and Samantha; son John, and 14 grandchildren.
