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ALUM Spotlight Albert J. Smith Jr. '47
2006 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Albert J. Smith is one of four distinguished recipients of the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is the highest honor given by the Auburn Alumni Association. It recognizes recipients for outstanding achievements in their professional lives, personal integrity and stature, and service to the university.

Smith, 80, who came to AU after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, began his career as an engineer for Westinghouse and left the company after 20 years to form Power Systems Engineering Inc. By time Smith sold the business, he'd helped build an industry by designing, building and operating privately owned power plants. He also was an outspoken advocate of utility deregulation and helped establish federal policy governing the industry. Called “a modern day Medici” by Atlanta investment banker C. Noel Wadsworth, Smith also has been a major benefactor of the arts in Houston and, more significantly, in Auburn. He has provided about $7 million in funding for the construction and operation of AU's Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.

At Auburn:
Entered the university in 1943, left to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II, returned to school and majored in mechanical engineering. "One of the things that impressed me, and has continued to impress me, is the friendliness on campus. Everybody you saw on the street, you were obligated to say, 'hey' to, and if you didn't say, 'hey' there were some upperclassmen who would make sure you remembered it the next time around!"

After Graduation:
Worked for Westinghouse Electric Corp. in Houston for more than 20 years, then founded and ran his own power company, Power Systems Engineering Inc., from 1969-1989. Sold the business ot Dow
Chemical Co. in 1990.

Upon Retirement:
Has emerged as one of the most significant benefactors in Auburn's history. As a golden anniversary tribute to his wife in 1998, Smith donated $3 million in her name toward the construction of a campus art museum. Auburn University's Jule Collins SmithMuseum of Fine Art opened in 2003. The couple gave another $4 million this year to help the university expand its collections. "There aren't many museums in thecountry that have developed as fast, with such a high level of quality, as this one. We want to be sure the resources are there for it to continue growing and getting better."

Secret of His Success:
Cites marrying Auburn native Julia "Jule" Collins as his single proudest accomplishment. The two met during their student years at Auburn. "She saw me walking by her house in my band uniform and picked me out...Without her, I don't know what I'd be doing. We've had a wonderful life together."

What Life Teaches That Isn't in Textbooks:
"Have confidence in your ideas, and be prepared."