Alumni

May 5, 2025 | Meagan Fazio

UConn Law Graduate Honored for Generosity and Impact

In addition to his philanthropic support, Stuart F. Smith '80 has shared his expertise and his personal and professional journeys with students to help them achieve their career goals.

A group of seven people stand in front of the entrance to a room.

Stuart F. Smith '80 stands with family and friends outside the room named in his honor.

The Reading Room in William F. Starr Hall is considered the heart of the UConn Law campus, a place where the school community often gathers. So, it is fitting that the room is now named after Stuart F. Smith ’80, in honor of his extraordinary generosity and enduring impact on the law school.

“Today’s special event demonstrates our deep appreciation for Stuart’s exceptional generosity, through which he has shared his time, his talent, and his treasure to help build upon a legacy of excellence here at the Law School,” said UConn Law Dean Eboni S. Nelson during a dedication ceremony on April 21. “Stuart’s remarkable support has had and will continue to have a profound impact on our law school community for years to come.”

A man stands at a podium with an American flag to his right.
Stuart F. Smith ’80

Smith established the Stuart Smith 1980 Dean’s Discretionary Fund in 2024 to support the ambitious goals of faculty, staff, and students. The previous year, he made a gift to create the Stuart F. Smith 1980 Teaching Fellowship, a two-year program that prepares aspiring law professors to enter the legal academy.

“The Fellowship has given me the chance to be part of the intellectually vibrant, collegial, and supportive UConn Law faculty, where I’ve received valuable mentorship and feedback on my research and writing,” says Visiting Assistant Professor Gaurav Mukherjee, the inaugural Stuart F. Smith Teaching Fellow. “I’ve had the opportunity to teach courses on the intersections of human rights, education law, and constitutional change — topics that are especially urgent today. I’m deeply grateful to Mr. Smith for his principled vision, steadfast support, and commitment to excellence in legal education.”

A man and woman stand together near a sign identifying the room as the Stuart F. Smith Reading Room.
Stuart F. Smith ’80 and UConn School of Law Dean Eboni S. Nelson

In addition to his philanthropic support, Smith has shared his expertise and his personal and professional journeys with students, such as members of the Business and Transactional Law Society, to help them achieve their career goals.

Smith attended the dedication and was surrounded by family and friends there to celebrate with him.

“When it comes to the Law School, I’ve gotten a lot more than I’ve given,” he said. “My most important ‘grade’ was my first year of law school because of the friendships I built and what I learned. And it’s such a privilege to be part of the community. So, I say, thank you, I’m really humbled by this. It’s very moving.”