Return to Previous Press Release
Enter your name and a friend's email address in the fields below and click "Submit" to email this Press Release to a friend.
Your message will look like this:
[YOUR NAME HERE] thought you might be interested in this story from the University of Rochester.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Sherwood 585.273.4726
May 4, 2005
Mechanical Engineering alumnus Robert E. Smith will receive the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Rochester on Sunday, May 15. This award is given to School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) alumni “for exemplary contributions to technology, business, education, and society.” He will be the keynote speaker at the SEAS diploma ceremony.
A Rochester native, Smith graduated from the University in 1959. He completed three years with the U.S. Air Force before returning to New York State to begin his career in the electric power industry. At Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), he was involved in the design and construction of the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, and eventually a chief engineer. His last 10 years at RGE were as its senior vice president of energy operations. He retired in 1998 as CEO of the New York Nuclear Operating Company.
Smith has served on several national industry boards including the National Nuclear Accrediting Board, and was a charter member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators. He also aided in developing safety protocols at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant after its 1986 disaster.
Smith serves on the University of Rochester SEAS’s Trustee Visiting Committee and is a trustee of Roberts Wesleyan College.
The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Memorial Art Gallery.
PR 2146, MS 584