Professor and Political Activist
Prof. Michael Litt [chemistry ’58鈥�66]
Nov. 20, 2023.
Michael “Mike” Litt was a retired professor of molecular and medical genetics and longtime political activist. Born in New York, N.Y., on April 17, 1933, he was raised in New Rochelle, and was an Oberlin College graduate and a Harvard University Ph.D in chemistry. From 1968 to 1998, Mike worked as research professor of molecular and medical genetics at OHSU and contributor to the Human Genome Project. He also inspired many with his tireless advocacy for democracy, progressive candidates, and climate action. Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth H. Litt. He is survived by his domestic partner, Jeanne Magmer, and his children, Barbara, David, and Fred Litt.
Appeared in Reed magazine: Winter 2024
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The Lives they Led
Physicist, Professor, and Researcher
Never a Follower, Always Charted His Own Path
Builder, Uniter, Mentor
Mother, Baker, Musician
Director of Private Music Instruction at Reed [1988–2010]
Professor of English at Reed [English 1973–78]
Cherished Friend, Daughter, Sister, Cousin, and Niece
French Teacher and Docent
Well-Traveled Economist
Visionary Drummer, Advocate for Tribal Fisheries, and Recognized Authority on Bigfoot
Physician, Neurologist, Teacher, and Advocate
Composer, Arts Administrator, Archivist, and Historian
Award-Winning Musician, Played With Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, and Woody Shaw
Nurturer of Communities
Educator and Journalist
Professor at Dartmouth College and the University of Toronto
Pioneering Cardiologist, Inventor, and Entrepreneur
Beloved English and Piano Teacher
Transcending the Script
Maven of Orchestration
Documenting Justice and Injustice Alike
Acclaimed Blues Guitar and Piano Player
Committed Musician and Teacher
Loved Working at the Bilingual Crossroads in Technology and Publishing
Leading Economist and Respected Expert on Finance
Pioneer in the Field of Alternative Somatic Therapies
Senior News Producer at Reuters
Advocate For Collaboration, Team Building, and Personal Connection
Immigration Law Attorney
Public Health Lecturer
Big Brain, Big Heart, a Lifetime of Learning
Devoted Her Life to Education and Music
Never a Follower, Always Charted His Own Path
Avid Hiker and Chemist
Accountant and Aquatic Traveler
Discoverer of Radiopolarography and Nobel Prize Winner
Poet of the Page and the Skies
Actress and Humanist
Pioneer of Law Technology
Playwright and Provocateur
Scholar of Chinese Culture and Language
Insightful Critic and Dedicated Poet
Venerated Long-Distance Runner
Master of the Ancient Art of Japanese Carpentry
Longtime Programmer and Adventurous Explorer
Activist and Mystery Enthusiast
Advocate for Trauma Survivors
Acclaimed Anthropologist
Pioneering Physicist
Beloved Husband, Devoted Father, Treasured Grandfather, and Venerated Professor
Broadcaster and Outdoorsman
