Remembering Alumnus D’Vonne Pickett, Jr.

President Eduardo Peñalver shared this message with the campus community on the death of D’Vonne Pickett, Jr., a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, business owner and leader in the Central District:

As many of you have heard, D’Vonne Pickett, Jr., an alumnus of Seattle University, was tragically shot and killed October 19 outside of the business he owned. 

So many throughout our neighborhood and city are mourning D’Vonne as a beloved community member and leader. His loss is felt in a particularly profound and devastating way here at Seattle University, where he made an impact as a student in the College of Arts and Sciences and an athlete on the basketball court. After earning his degree in Communication Studies in 2014, D’Vonne went on to do exactly what we hope for each of our graduates—to be a positive force for change in his community. 

In 2018 D’Vonne and his wife KeAnna opened The Postman, which provides mailing and business services, as a way of honoring his late great-grandfather and serving the Central District community. In addition, D’Vonne was a coach of youth sports and a mentor to countless young people. As Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell expressed, he was a true pillar in the Central District and instrumental in “shaping the next generation of leaders in our city.” 

After graduating from SU, D’Vonne continued to be supportive and collaborative with his alma mater, and with KeAnna has helped the university make important connections with businesses and others in the community. 

With deep gratitude for all D’Vonne has meant to our university, we pray for KeAnna and their children and loved ones. At the same time, our sadness is joined with anger over the unrelenting hold that gun violence has on our society. As we honor the life and legacy of D’Vonne, let us find ways to carry his spirit forward in ways that lift up and affirm our community.