Commitment and community: Ted and Marci Levie
This fall, Ted and Marci Levie were named the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering’s recipients of the 2025 President’s Alumni Award. Recognized during the university’s Honored Alumni & Hall of Fame ceremony, the Levies were celebrated not only for their professional achievements, but for a shared lifetime of service, advocacy, and commitment to expanding opportunity for the next generation of NAU engineering students. Their story reflects the power of community, the strength of alumni engagement, and the lasting impact of dedication rooted in gratitude.
Journeys shaped by determination and support
For Marci Levie, ’90, NAU was the place where persistence met possibility. She earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering as a single parent, which she recalls as demanding but transformative. Marci credits the supportive network of NAU faculty, staff, and fellow students with helping her balance academic rigor and family responsibilities. That sense of community, she shared, fueled her success long after graduation.
Following her time at NAU, Marci built a strong career in software and systems development. She worked as a programmer analyst with organizations such as Salt River Project and American Express before moving into a software engineering role at Sendero Corporation. She retired in 2002 but has remained an active advocate for engineering students, using her experience to help shape pathways for those who may face challenges similar to her own.
Leadership, innovation, and impact
Ted Levie, ’89, forged a career defined by leadership in engineering and technology. As Director of Engineering for the Southwest Region at ePlus Technology, he oversees pre-sales and service-delivery teams that support a $130 million business spanning Arizona and Colorado. His work centers on designing and implementing infrastructure solutions that help organizations meet complex technical and operational demands.
Throughout his career, Ted has held key technical and managerial roles at prominent companies including IO Data Centers, Sun Microsystems, EMC, and Intel. His ability to bridge deep technical insight with strategic leadership has positioned him as a respected professional in the field. Ted’s connection to NAU runs equally deep—during his student years, he was active in the Honors Program and the university’s chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), experiences he credits with shaping his early professional direction.
Lumberjack legacy
Together, Ted and Marci have cultivated a family legacy intertwined with the university. Two of their sons graduated from SCE, and the Levies continue to champion the institution that supported them in their early careers. Their advocacy has extended far beyond mentorship: alongside fellow alumni, they co-founded the Melvin K. Neville ACM Alumni Fund to help current engineering students cover the costs associated with senior capstone projects. Their commitment ensures that financial barriers do not hinder students’ ability to complete the culminating work of their degree programs.
Through philanthropy, volunteerism, and ongoing engagement, the Levies have demonstrated what it means to invest in future generations of engineers.
Celebrating a new era of NAU
The Honored Alumni & Hall of Fame ceremony carried special significance this year as NAU publicly launched Elevate, its comprehensive fundraising campaign. Designed to expand access, fuel academic innovation, strengthen student support, and invest in faculty and facilities, Elevate represents a bold vision for the university’s future. Honoring the Levies at this milestone highlights the essential role alumni play in advancing NAU’s mission and shaping the institution’s next era of growth.
As supporters, mentors, and champions of engineering education, Ted and Marci exemplify the spirit of Elevate. Their decades of service reflect how powerful alumni engagement can be by strengthening programs, opening doors for students, and helping the university thrive.
Inspiring the next generation
For the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, the Levies’ recognition underscores a core truth: the success of an academic community depends on the people who continue to care long after graduation day. Ted and Marci’s contributions remind us that NAU’s impact is amplified through the generosity, leadership, and example of its alumni.
As the university embarks on the Elevate campaign and continues to expand its reach and influence, the Levies stand as shining examples of what it means to be a Lumberjack for life. Their story is one of dedication, gratitude, and enduring connection—an inspiration for students, alumni, and the entire NAU community.