Donovan Smith
Major
Architectural Engineering
Award
College of Engineering and Applied Science Perseverance Award
Post-graduation plans
Pursue a career in engineering consulting, focusing on building enclosures.
Why do you think you were selected for this award?
Perseverance is a matter of the heart and a belief that people can overcome great odds. That mindset carries valuable lessons and should be shared to help others navigate adversity. Each one, teach one.
What is your favorite ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ memory?
Counterintuitively, it’s the smile after a long night of studying and the early mornings being the first to arrive.
How did ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ help you prepare for what's next?
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ helped prepare me by giving me the key to life’s opportunities. As a first‑generation college student with a family background in the construction trades, I carry forward a strong sense of integrity and a commitment to building with intention. I plan to continue growing as a lifelong learner and to share that knowledge with others. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and I want to help engineer our communities and homes to meet the needs of current and future generations.