Nicholls accepted $1 million from the family of Clifford Smith towards the creation of a new engineering school.
Nicholls is accomplishing this through a partnership with the University of New Orleans. Nicholls students can earn an engineering degree through the UNO program.
There are also internship opportunities with a regional engineering firm.
This partnership will allow Nicholls students to pursue their passion for engineering locally.
Kenneth Smith, the son of Clifford Smith, spoke of his father’s impact and said, “His legacy as a civil engineer and land surveyor, working alongside his father at T. Baker Smith, has left an indelible mark on our profession and community.”
Clifford Smith had extensive experience and impact in the field of engineering. His father, T. Baker Smith, was a crucial influence to the development of his career and passion. T. Baker Smith established his self-titled company in 1913. He passed his ownership down to Clifford Smith after he died in 1962.
According to Kenneth Smith, the T. Baker Smith firm has hired many graduates from Nicholls. He spoke highly of the graduates, and called this connection “a testament to the strong bond between our family and this esteemed institution.”
Jay Clune, the president of NSU, expressed his gratitude for this “generous gift” which came from the Smith family.
“We are even more honored to name our school of engineering for Mr. Clifford. His name is synonymous with high-quality engineering and land surveying in the Bayou Region, as he has contributed so much to not only Nicholls but also to our entire region,” Jay Clune said.
Clune added that donation ensures that Bayou Region students who aspire to be engineers will no longer have to leave the region to do so.
“The Smith family is grateful for the opportunity to honor Clifford’s legacy in this meaningful way and looks forward to the continued growth and success of Nicholls State University and its students,” said Kenneth Smith.
