Ceo of Smith Investments and Lifelong Supporter of Colorado State University Honored with Henry Award

The recipient of Colorado State University’s Jim and Nadine Henry Award is the president and chief executive officer of Smith Investments and an outstanding supporter of the university’s athletic and academic programs.

Jim Smith, who graduated with an MBA from Colorado State in 1971, will receive the award, which is given to a recipient who exemplifies extraordinary service to Colorado State and its athletic, academic and alumni programs. Smith will be honored at the Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner April 29.

"Jim has provided outstanding support for athletics and the College of Business at Colorado State," said Mark Driscoll, director of Athletics at Colorado State. "He has volunteered countless hours with fundraising efforts, counsel to students, faculty and staff members and has been a successful promoter for Colorado State programs. I do not believe that Colorado State could honor anyone more deserving of the Henry Award than Jim Smith."

After leaving Colorado State, Smith taught investment and business policy at the University of Northern Colorado. He entered the investment world as a securities broker for Boettcher from 1972 to 1978. Following his employment at Boettcher, Smith spent two years as a commodity research analyst for C.P.M.

In 1980, Smith formed Smith Investments and has served as the president and CEO since its inception. In the early years of the business, Smith focused on real estate investments with an emphasis on multifamily projects. He also managed several apartment complexes that provided housing for many Colorado State students. Recently, he has become more involved in venture financing and stock market investing.

Smith has continued his involvement with Colorado State since graduating and has made many significant contributions. He has served as chairman of the board of Colorado State Development Council and is currently a member. Smith co-chaired the Proud Futures Campaign that raised $8.6 million for Colorado State athletic facilities.

In 1963, Smith began his relationship with Colorado State athletics as a walk-on football player. Since then, he has supported athletics by starting the Former Athletes Association and serving as its president for the first two years. He was instrumental in starting the Colorado State Sports Hall of Fame Banquet and served as chair for the first three years. Smith previously was a president of Ram Master, an organization providing financial support and direction for the Colorado State golf program.

In addition, he serves as a member of the College of Business Dean’s Global Advisory Council and also serves on the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship. He has taught an investment course at Colorado State and has been an active participant in many programs in the College of Business. In 1998, Smith was recognized as the Honored Alumnus for Colorado State’s College of Business.

Smith is an active member of the board of the Fort Collins Country Club. He is also involved in other community groups such as the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Collins Board of Realtors.

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