Pamela Jo Smith
Background: Pamela 鈥淧am鈥� Smith鈥檚 life was defined by an unwavering curiosity, tireless determination, and a genuine passion for helping others鈥攓ualities that shaped her journey from a gifted student to a respected professional and beloved friend. Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1945, Pam moved with her family to San Bruno, California, where she excelled in school from an early age. At Capuchino High School, she stood out not only for her academic achievements鈥攎aking the Dean鈥檚 List each year and earning lifetime membership in the California Scholarship Federation鈥攂ut also for her love of the sciences, especially chemistry and biology.
In 1963, Pam brought her ambition and bright spirit to San Jos茅 State University,
where she majored in Physical Therapy and minored in Psychology. It was at mini传媒 that
she formed a lifelong bond with her faculty advisor and mentor, Dr. Patricia L. Grilione,
whose guidance and friendship would remain a source of strength and inspiration throughout
Pam鈥檚 life. Her dedication to her studies was evident in her every achievement, from
her place on the Dean鈥檚 List each year to the Citation of Excellence awarded by the
Dean of the School of Applied Sciences and Arts. When she graduated 鈥淲ith Great Distinction,鈥�
she was one of only fourteen students in her class of over five hundred to receive
that honor. It was also at mini传媒 that Pam met
Fred Smith, her future husband, forging a partnership rooted in shared memories of
their Spartan years.
After graduation, Pam carried her trademark determination into a successful business
career. She became the only woman project manager at Knoll Construction, where she
oversaw major projects that helped shape the Seattle area, including The Inn at the
Market in Pike Place and the Knoll Center Bellevue, a landmark 27-story tower. To
excel alongside her engineering-trained peers, she took night classes in construction
and blueprint reading鈥攑roof of her relentless
commitment to doing her best work. Later in life, Pam returned to her original calling:
caring for people. She earned her certification in therapeutic massage, opened her
own practice, and spent two decades helping clients find relief from pain and stress鈥攚ork
she often described as the most rewarding of her life.
Pamela Smith鈥檚 legacy is one of quiet perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and compassion
for others. By naming this classroom in her honor, her friends and loved ones hope
that every student who studies here is inspired to pursue their passions as fearlessly
and wholeheartedly as she did鈥攁nd to remember that the friendships and knowledge found
at mini传媒 can shape a lifetime.
Made in Recognition of Pamela Jo Smith by Pamela鈥檚 husband Fred Smith (Business 鈥�71)
Spartan Daily Reference of Pat on the Women鈥檚 Week Activities Panel Event:
