Larry Smith

Spring 2021 - Larry Smith says that when he returned to his alma mater more than two decades ago to join Baylor University's development staff, he "inherited a very strong planned giving program" that had been created in the early 1960s under the leadership of Tom Parrish, a key member of Baylor President Abner McCall's leadership team. "Tom understood the impact that estate commitments would have on the University," Larry said.

A 1973 Baylor graduate with a BBA in management and real estate, Larry spent the first half of his professional career in banking. He said the transition to becoming a development officer at Baylor was smooth because both fields are based on cultivating relationships and serving the best interests of clients.

He is also quick to credit his immediate predecessor in the position, Gwin Morris, for positioning him for success. "Gwin provided great leadership to the planned giving program, and I will be forever grateful for his encouragement and mentorship," Larry said.

Larry also expressed appreciation to Dr. Richard Scott, former vice president of university development, who hired him in 1996. "Baylor's planned giving program would not have had the success it has had without the support of Baylor's leadership. Richard understood the impact that planned gifts make on the University," Larry said. "I am thankful that our planned giving program continues to receive excellent support under the leadership of David Rosselli, and it pleases me to know that the program will now be led by my colleague Amy Eaker. I have been blessed by serving Baylor with many development professionals who have become dear friends."

Greater heights

Having decided to retire from Baylor as assistant vice president for gift planning, effective May 1, Larry said the most rewarding aspect of his years at Baylor has been helping alumni and friends create a legacy on campus through planned gifts.

"I've had the wonderful opportunity to meet many amazing alumni and friends - some with no previous ties to Baylor but who strongly supported our Christian mission - and assist them in developing their own purposeful planning to 'give back' or 'pay it forward' so future students can have their own Baylor experience," Larry said.

"Larry Smith took a strong program and made it stronger," said Gwin Morris (BM '63), who went on to serve in the development field for hospitals. "Larry's personality and his integrity have guided the program to even greater heights as deferred gifts have matured and strengthened Baylor's current and endowed programs."

Bill Dube (BA '68, MBA '72), who recently retired from Baylor as director of the endowed scholarship program, agreed. "Larry defines the meaning of developing relationships in his work," Bill said. "I have witnessed the impact Larry has had at Baylor through providing guidance and assistance to constituents in estate and deferred gift planning. Much of the benefit of Larry's work will not be known for many years."

An investment in the future

It's important to note, colleagues said, that Larry has practiced what he preached. He and his wife, Kim Barclay Smith (BS '75), made a provision in their estate plans to benefit the Larry D. and Kim Barclay Smith Endowed Student Foundation Scholarship Fund, which they established in 2003.

Not surprisingly, the Smith family's love for Baylor has extended into the next generation, with their three sons - Ryan (BBA '03), Cody (BBA '09) and Shay (BBA '10, MBA '21) - all having earned Baylor degrees.

Larry said his and his wife's motivation for leaving a legacy at Baylor is the same incentive that continues to motivate others to direct their philanthropy to Baylor.

"Some people make planned gift commitments as an expression of love and appreciation for what Baylor has meant to them or a loved one," Larry said. "Some as a way to give future students a chance to have the Baylor experience through scholarship support. Whatever the reason, a planned gift to Baylor is an investment in the future of our great University."