Lillis Smith, 2019 Honorary Alumna

Lillis Smith, 2019 Honorary Alumna

Lillis Smith graduated from Winthrop College in 1949 and married a Blue Hose named Jerry Smith ’50 a year later. Her connection to PC began in August of that year and would last a lifetime.

While Lillis passed away earlier this year, the College posthumously recognizes her as an honorary alumna. The honor is bestowed upon someone who did not attend PC, but who has always treated PC like her alma mater and has brought honor to the College by doing so.

“All during her married life, Lillis treated PC as her own,” said Leni Patterson ’83, executive director of alumni relations at PC. “The Blue Hose family embraced her and considered her one of us.”

Jerry and Lillis have been faithful philanthropic donors to PC over the years. As Scotsman Club members for more than 40 years, Jerry and Lillis have supported student-athletes by gifts and their presence.

“Lillis was almost always by Jerry’s side, cheering on our Blue Hose teams in many sports,” Patterson said.

In 2007, the Smiths established the Lillis B. and Thomas G. Smith, Sr. Scholarship Fund that provides scholarships to student-athletes. The Smiths were the first recipients of the Mike Turner Scotsman Club Award for their faithful support of the Scotsman Club.

Lillis served alongside Jerry on the PC Board of Visitors for several years. They also supported the PC Fund and gave to the Neville Renewed Campaign. A classroom in the history wing named in their honor.

Join Us for Homecoming!

Homecoming is Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19. Please join us in Edmunds Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19 for the Alumni Awards ceremony.

Please see 2019 Alumni Award Recipients for more about this year’s honorees.