2025 Alumnus of the Year – David Smith ’73

What defines an alumnus of the year? A Houghton University Alumnus of the Year, beyond any other criteria, must have demonstrated a firm commitment to Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom. He must have made a significant contribution to his profession or vocation, and made a noteworthy service to society. At its core, to be recognized as the Alumnus of the Year, one must have lived out his calling as a scholar-servant. David Smith, a graduate of the Houghton University Class of 1973, most fittingly, was once described as “the epitome of a scholar-servant.”

A general science major at Houghton, David went on to a thirty-nine year career with IBM. Twenty of those years David dedicated to executive leadership, holding positions in operations, information technology, logistics and manufacturing. His experience and responsibilities ranged widely, including sales, finance, risk management, project management, business operations, customer relations management, management information systems and new product development.

David filled these roles with excellence, making a significant contribution at IBM, evidenced by recognition with awards such as the IBM Leadership Award, the IBM Market Driven Quality Award, and the IBM Award of Excellence. He completed IBM’s Advanced Management School and the IBM Manufacturing Business Development Program at Dartmouth University. David excelled in his vocational calling and IBM and his colleagues were the better for it.

Upon retirement in 2012, David didn’t rest upon his laurels. Instead, he elected to give back to his alma mater in the most useful way possible. David assumed the mantle of Houghton’s Vice President for Finance and Planning, a role he filled for three years under the leadership of President Emerita, Dr. Shirley Mullen. The Houghton community is full of people who worked alongside David and who were blessed by doing so. David was the consummate team player, an attribute he no doubt developed during his time as a dual sport student-athlete at Houghton, cultivating his skills on the baseball field and the basketball court.

David’s family remarked, “He loved the Lord and serving others… he was respected by all who worked with him.”

David was an active servant and leader in his church home at Webster Bible Church. He served as a deacon, a greeter, and in children’s ministry. David was a devoted family man, husband to Houghton alumna Cindy Dunham Smith of the Class of 1973 for over 50 years; father to Melissa, Aimee, Jordan and Tyler; and grandfather to seven grandchildren.

Beyond his church and family, David long understood the vision of Houghton University’s role in advancement of the Kingdom of God on earth. He was an active student mentor, a faithful supporter of student scholarships, and a member of the Houghton Athletics Advisory Board.

David Smith passed away in November of 2024, leaving behind the legacy of a true scholar-servant: a firm commitment to Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom, a noteworthy service to society and a significant contribution to his vocation. This morning it is a privilege to present to Cindy Dunham Smith, on behalf of her husband David Smith, Houghton University’s 2025 Alumnus of the Year Award.