On the recordJuly 14, 2017
I rise this morning to recognize Richard DeWitt Smith, a native of my home State of North Carolina and a graduate of our alma mater, North Carolina Central University. Tomorrow night, Richard will be honored by the NCCU Alumni Association with the prestigious Alumni Founder's Lifetime Achievement Award. Richard is most deserving of this great honor. Since graduating in 1981, Richard has been a dedicated alumnus to the university, always exemplifying our motto of Truth and Service. Richard continues to serve NCCU and its alumni community in numerous capacities at the local, State, and national levels. He gives of his time, talent, and resources to help students from across the country succeed in obtaining a quality education from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Richard Smith has been married to Jacqueline Beatty Smith for 28 years. They met 40 years ago as NCCU students. Mr. Speaker, time does not permit me to fully describe Richard's many other contributions; but suffice it to say that Richard Smith is most deserving of this high honor--the NCCU Alumni Association 2017 Alumni Founder's Lifetime Achievement Award. I am proud of Richard Smith, and I thank him for his extraordinary work. I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating this great American hero. ____________________
