Building Renamed for Professor

by Carroll Gunn

DM Staff Reporter

November 03, 2004

The Engineering Science Research Building was officially renamed recently honoring Charles E. Smith, a retired professor and a researcher at the university.

The rededication ceremony took place Friday in front of the building.

Allen W. Glisson Jr., chair and professor of electrical engineering, said Smith still spends most of his time helping students doing research and working with students.

In his 34 years of teaching, Charles Smith made millions of dollars in research, and the money he donated was crucial for the school of engineering be recognized nationally as well as internationally in the field of electromagnetism, Glisson said.

“He has been a major inspiration to the engineering department,” Glisson said. “He shows a genuine interest of the students and their well-being.”

Lee said the name Charles E. Smith will appear above the school’s original name, the Engineering Sciences Building.

According to the Kai-Fong Lee, dean of engineering, Smith, the former chair of the department of electrical engineering, retired two years ago, but still remains active in research projects.

Smith said the contributions given by alumni, family and friends will benefit future engineering programs and students.

“Education is the focus here,” Smith said. “Anything contributing to helping this university will better education.”

Lee and Glisson said the idea of dedicating the building came from the alumni and Smith’s three sons: Charles Jr., Steve and Gary Smith.

The brothers, who are also Ole Miss alumni, obtained a pamphlet on the $25 million Campaign for Engineering, which is devoted to renovating and expanding school of engineering programs.

The three brothers decided donating $200,000 to the campaign was the best gift their father could possibly give, Lee said.

Chancellor Robert Khayat spoke at the dedication, beginning with a brief explanation of Smith’s service in the engineering department and ending his portion of the presentation by honoring Smith and his accomplishments.

Khayat briefly discussed the years of service Smith dedicated to the engineering department and the contributions Smith gives to students and faculty.

The ceremony came to an end when Charles Smith Jr. spoke in behalf of the family about his father’s performance at the university.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected such an honor,” Smith said.

“I may have played a role in the productivity of the engineering department but the faculty and students contributed just as much.”

(See http://www.thedmonline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/11/03/4188c9200c7f7?in_archive=1)