David Boren: “I did not want this day to pass without mention of 28-year-old Jennifer Scott Smith, a young Oklahoman whom I had the…”

“I did not want this day to pass without mention of 28-year-old Jennifer Scott Smith, a young Oklahoman whom I had the pleasure of meeting in my office in early August 1993. A 1983 graduate of Norman High School in Norman, OK, Jennifer attended the Air Force Academy for 2 years before entering the University of Oklahoma School of Engineering. She graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. After working 3 years with Andersen Consulting, she decided to do graduate work at the University of Maryland. When Jennifer and I met last summer, she spoke openly and bravely about her battle with cancer. I was impressed with her courage and determination to beat the odds. She was bright and witty, and certainly a fine example of the young Oklahoma citizens whom I represent on a daily basis in the Nation's Capitol. Last Saturday evening, Jennifer Smith lost her battle with cancer. Her young life will be celebrated today in Norman. On behalf of her many friends and acquaintances and the State of Oklahoma, I offer heartfelt sympathy to her mother Jean and her father, Eddie Carol Smith, dean of the graduate school at the University of Oklahoma.”