Smith’s dedication to his alma mater is evident in his generosity of spirit, passion, time and resources. Following in the footsteps of his mother, Anna Veronica Keefe Smith ’33, M.Ed.’67, Smith began his studies at RIC in 1959. His professional career spans 35 years as teacher and principal at several schools in Cumberland, to which he returned in various interim roles after his retirement in 1998. Having served on the RIC Foundation in many capacities, including as president from 2010-2012 and on the college’s Strategic Planning Committee, Smith’s legacy at Rhode Island College is rich and unparalleled. An active supporter of RIC, Smith recently was a President’s Circle sponsor for the inauguration of Dr. Frank D. Sánchez, RIC’s 10th president. In 2007, Smith established a scholarship in his and his mother’s names. The campus quadrangle is named in his honor, and the Keefe Transportation Center is named in memory of his mother. His philosophy is to enjoy what you do and always give back, which is evident through the numerous lives he has touched as an educator and philanthropist.
