Interview with Steve Smith, '72 Business Administration

What has been the most important growth and change at Smeal since you graduated?

The sophistication of the Business students. I believe their sophistication as students is the direct result of the importance that Smeal places on exposure to the real world. This is supplemented by the wonderful speakers that Smeal attracts, as well as programs such as the Nittany Lion Fund.

What has been your favorite Penn State memory so far?

I don’t have one negative memory in the four years I was a student! I love this place. It is a wonderful place, campus, town…but I suppose my best memory would be meeting my wife in my junior year.

What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is working out. I work out about three to four hours a day. I do everything from lifting, to running and biking, to yoga and swimming. I was on the freshman basketball team at Penn State, and then played with one team for 28 years in Arizona city leagues as well as statewide tournaments, until retiring two years ago.  I also like reading under a tree on campus…I have a tree on the Old Main lawn where I love to sit.

What is your favorite thing to do on a beautiful summer day?

When I am at Penn State, I love to go biking in the morning, to the Blue Chip Bistro for lunch (salad, then a chocolate yogurt shake at the Creamery!), then head to the Natatorium to swim followed by a five-mile run in the woods. I also like to end the day with a “high volume” dinner at Hoss’ in State College, where I have had the same waitress for 20 years.

What is the biggest reason for you to return to campus?

Everything! I love the University, the town, the ambiance, our neighborhood at the Village of Penn State, and I know a lot of nice people here. I get to reconnect with people here that I haven’t seen in a while and that’s great. I used to say Happy Valley was insulated from the rest of the world, and still believe that’s true. It’s still Happy Valley!