He has been a teacher. A colleague. A mentor. A friend. For those who found a home in the Florida State University Department of Psychology or Program in Neuroscience, Robert O. Lawton Professor Emeritus James C. Smith has been all of these things and more.

Nearly 20 years ago, a generous endowed gift first enabled us to host one of FSU’s signature scientific events — the James C. Smith Lecture Series — to honor the impact Jim has had on our lives and careers. Each year since, this series has honored Jim’s seminal contributions to behavioral neuroscience by bringing an internationally renowned speaker conducting behaviorally oriented research in neuroscience to Tallahassee to share their work and engage with the next generation of scientists.

We now embark on an ambitious campaign to enhance the existing endowment so the James C. Smith Lecture Series can continue long into the future. In meeting our $100,000 goal, we will ensure the lecture’s financial autonomy and honor Jim for many years to come.

Today we ask for your support to grow the resources that allow us to provide this unique opportunity and ensure the lecture series can continue well into the future. Visit neuro.fsu.edu/events/smith to learn more about the speakers who have joined us and to see the list of the generous donors who have supported this mission since 2007.

Jim has always been there when we needed him, and by contributing to the vitality of this lecture series, we recognize not only his seminal contributions to behavioral neuroscience, but also the profound impact he has had on so many both personally and professionally.

“For my wife Mary Jo and I, Jim has meant the world, and we would not be where we are today without him. In the most heartfelt gratitude, we are committing to contribute $10,000 a year over the next three years to grow the endowment. Please join us in reflecting on what Jim has meant to you during your lifetime and do what you can to help us reach our goal.”

— Alan Spector, Ph.D., FSU Distinguished Research Professor 

If you have questions on ways to give or prefer to send a check, please email Nancy Smilowitz, the FSU College of Arts and Sciences’ assistant dean of advancement and alumni affairs, at nsmilowitz@fsu.edu.

Join us and make your gift today.