Grateful alumnus helps build foundations for life with scholarships

Robert "Bob" Smith grew up in the greater Boston area where he currently resides. After earning his bachelor's degree in 1965 from Saint Martin's University (then College), Bob was drafted into the Army. He served until 1970 as an intelligence officer, remaining in the active reserves until 1984.

Bob then pursued a 34-year career with ADT Security Services, working exclusively in bank security in Boston. He retired as a senior sales executive in 2006. Additionally, Bob invested in hands-on real estate projects: purchasing, renovating and managing rental properties.

Giving back to Saint Martin's University is important to Bob, who feels the school has given him an amazing opportunity by laying the educational and spiritual foundations for life. To date, he has generously created three endowed scholarships in honor of a beloved professor, Fr. Placidus, and family members. Hopefully, these scholarships will provide a perpetual opportunity to future students who need encouragement, support and additional financial assistance as they work to complete their Saint Martin's University educations.

According to Bob, "It is just a matter of acknowledging and affirming my deep appreciation by giving back, in kind, what Saint Martin's University has given me. Back in the 1960s, Saint Martin's took a chance on me and a number of other Easterners who were less than stellar high school students. The aid and jobs they provided gave me motivation and encouragement to successfully complete my degree.

"Hopefully, these scholarships will not only be helpful to students, but also will be an incentive to other successful and grateful graduates to establish additional endowments."

Bob also has included Saint Martin's University as the beneficiary of a trust. Through it, a percentage of his estate will create a substantially large fourth scholarship endowment that will bear his name for financially needy students.

To learn more about ways you, like Bob, can impact Saint Martin's students with an endowed gift or other type of planned gift, contact Nate Peters, MBA at NPeters@stmartin.edu or (360) 438-4367.