Southwest Baptist
University News Release
Contact:
Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
BOLIVAR, Mo. – SBU recently
dedicated the new Roy G. Smith Physical Therapy Wall of Honor located in the
Warren B. Davis Family Physical Therapy Center.
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| see caption below |
The
wall, which will memorialize the names of high achieving physical therapy
alumni and clinicians, was named in honor of Roy G. Smith in recognition of his
lifetime of international humanitarian Christian service. The former Harry
Denman Evangelism Award recipient was an international fund raiser for the
reconstruction of the post World War II Pacific Rim, U.S. Navy Officer,
Director of the YMCA for South America, guest preacher, and advocate for health
reform for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.
(The
plaque reads as follows):
Roy G. Smith was born on January 20, 1911, in
Stotts City, Mo., and spent his life serving others. Raised on a farm near
Sarcoxie, Mo., he found the means to attend the University of Missouri during
the Great Depression.
While at the University he played basketball
for the Tigers and served as President of the university chapter of the YMCA.
Upon graduation, Mr. Smith secured a job working for the YMCA in St. Louis, Mo.,
as the General Program Secretary. Not long after he married LloGene Wood of St.
Louis and started a family. When the Second World War broke out, he was called
to serve his country as a U.S. Navy officer. After completing officer training
in Virginia Beach, VA, he was stationed aboard several ships in the Pacific
Theatre which would establish a pattern of international travel and the future
service direction for Mr. Smith.
As the War came to a close, he sent for his
young bride and family back in the United States to join him in the
Philippines. His family was on the very first civilian transport ship to land
in Manila after the War. For the next six years, Mr. Smith led fund raising
campaigns through the YMCA to help with the reconstruction of the war torn
Pacific Rim. In 1952, he was promoted to the Director of the YMCA for all of
South America and was relocated to Lima, Peru.
After nearly 50 years of service to the YMCA,
Mr. Smith retired and returned to the United States in 1972. At that point in
time he was responsible for the construction and operations of all of the YMCA
facilities in South America. Mr. Smith was not finished with his service upon
retirement. He accepted positions in the ministry with the United Methodist
Church in both Warrenton and Columbia, Mo.
He served in many capacities including guest
preacher for rural churches with no full time minister in the district as well
as the parish visitor making daily trips to visit infirmed church members in
local hospitals and nursing homes. Very late in his life, he became an advocate
for health care reform related to respite care for families caring for loved
ones with Alzheimer’s disease.
The
State Historical Society of Missouri housed on the Campus of the University of
Missouri, Columbia, Mo., has documented, archived, and displayed many of the
Wood-Smith Family, Papers, 1864-1987 (C3857) outlining the international
humanitarian service of Mr. Smith.
The
Physical Therapy Wall of Honor is named after Mr. Roy G. Smith in recognition
of his lifetime of international humanitarian Christian service as a model to
inspire future generations of servant leaders in His global society. Dedicated
on 07-18-2012
###
PHOTO:
The wall of honor is pictured with display artifacts about Mr. Smith, including
the Harry Denman Evangelism Award and a 1931 Savitar (University of Missouri).
(From left for right: Sara Salivar (daughter), Patsy J. Lesh (daughter), Steven G. Lesh (grandson), Reaghan Lesh (great granddaughter), Diana B. Lesh (granddaughter-in-law).
Southwest
Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating
Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at
an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic
community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For
more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.
SBU’s
Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a
day at (417) 399-7918.
