Dr Mary Alice Smith Estate gift to LHU over $500,000

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Dr. Mary Alice Smith

LOCK HAVEN, PA (05/29/2012)(readMedia)-- The Lock Haven University Foundation received over $500,000 from the estate of Dr. Mary Alice Smith.  The endowed funds will support Special Education at Lock Haven University just as Dr. Smith did for twenty six years from 1953 to 1979.  Current and former faculty and friends joined together to remember Dr. Smith and dedicate Room 207 in the Robinson Learning Center in her honor. 

Dr. Peter Matthews, Emeriti Professor of Special Education who served as executor of her estate presented the gift and shared stories of her tenure at LHU.  As a pioneer in Special Education, Dr. Smith impacted the entire University and her legacy will be preserved by the gift.  In attendance was LHU Student Jody Schefsky who will receive the Dr. Mary Alice Smith Scholarship for 2012-2013.  Ms. Schefsky proclaimed, "I am grateful for the award and to learn more about Dr. Smith as she was truly a pioneer in the field who has had a lasting influence."

Dr. Mary Alice Smith was born in Conestoga, Pennsylvania and graduated from Millersville State Teachers College before earning her M.A. from Columbia and her Ed.D from Penn State University.  In her distinguished career at Lock Haven University she wore many hats from Professor of Education to Chair of Department of Specialized Studies.  She was active in professional membership and community service.  She remained true to her connection to Conestoga throughout her life and was honored by that community's supervisors on February 29, 2000, which was declared "Dr. Mary Alice Smith Day."

The Foundation administers approximately 200 individual scholarships for students at the University. Applicants are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the Foundation's website, www.lhufoundation.org, or by contacting the Foundation at the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, 10 Susquehanna Avenue, Lock Haven, PA 17745.