Faye Smith bequest benefits future educators

A $1 million bequest from Faye Anderson Smith, a long-time educator and 1959 Miami University graduate, will provide scholarship support to future educators through Miami's School of Education, Health and Society (EHS).

Smith, a native of Hamilton, was a teacher and counselor for more than 30 years, serving the last 22 years as a counselor and vice principal at Skyline High School in Oakland, Calif. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business education from Miami and her master’s in counseling from California State University, East Bay.

According to Smith, the bequest is a way to give back to both her alma mater and her profession.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education I received at Miami,” said Smith. I also believe that teachers are so important. It’s so challenging to be in the classroom today, and they deserve any advantage they can get.”

The bequest will establish a scholarship endowment that will create a permanent source of scholarship support for students within Miami’s School of Education, Health and Society. Smith, whose own mother took on a job to ensure that the family’s two daughters could be first-generation college students at Miami, has specified that the scholarship will support one or more students based on need.

"Educators like Mrs. Smith change lives,” said Carine Feyten, dean of EHS. “Her scholarship fund will make it possible for students with financial need to come to Miami and prepare themselves to make a difference in their schools and communities."

Smith’s long list of successful students includes professional athletes, doctors, and Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks.

“My theory as a counselor could be summed up in two words: consistent and fair. You never knew which students were going to break the mold and rise above it all,” Smith said.

The gift supports the Miami University Campaign For Love and Honor, a $500 million initiative supporting scholarships, faculty, student-learning opportunities, academic programs, and facilities and grounds. To learn more, visit www.ForLoveandHonor.org.