Dr. Clay T. Smith, 1917 - 2003

Obit from El Defensor Chieftain, by Valerie Kimble

Memoriam to Dr. Clay T. Smith: A Student's Commentary, by Dr. William X. Chávez, Jr.

Reminiscences about Dr. Clay T. Smith, by Dr. Alan Cheetham

Albuquerque Journal obit

Clay T. Smith was known to generations of Socorroans and New Mexico Tech students. He first came in September 1947 to the then New Mexico School of Mines, having earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees at Caltech. Over the years, he served as professor of geology, director of New Mexico State Science & Engineering Fair, and director of Alumni Relations, before he nominally "retired" in 1986. However, even in retirement, Clay was always busy -- consulting in geology, and carrying out activities in the Socorro Lions' Club, Presbyterian Church, and Friends of Bosque del Apache.

Alumnus Michael Bikerman (BS, geology, 1956) recalled, "It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I read of the death of Prof. Clay Smith. As one of his students in the mid 1950's I appreciated his vast knowledge of geology, his ability to do a day's fieldwork in the summer without a canteen [water bottle to the younger generation], his dedication to NMT and its students - which included journeying to Albuquerque for the wedding of this student - and his easy going and cheerful demeanor at GSA meetings and field conferences. He will be missed."

Bikerman, who is professor emeritus of geology at the University of Pittsburgh, added some other recollections. "Clay Smith was a tough professor, very demanding and unwilling to take mediocrity instead of good geology, but always open to questions and discussion. His goal was to get students to understand the material and then clearly express what they learned.

"Away from the classroom he was always approachable, easy to talk to, and full of energy and vigor. It pleased him to outwalk much younger students in the field, a trait which I confess to have adopted as well! On my occasional visits back to Socorro after my graduation in 1956, he was always congenial and interested in my life.

"In summary he was the epitome of what a geology professor should be: knowledgeable in his field, able to impart that in a way students can handle; rigorous yet fair in grading; and someone whose love of his professions [geology and teaching] shone through; - and a delightful human being as well."

(Former students and friends of Clay T. Smith are invited to send reminiscences to Kathy Hedges for inclusion in this site.)