Wichita State mourns the passing of a major influence on daily student life. William H. Smith, former director of the Campus Activities Center (now known as the Rhatigan Student Center) passed away Wednesday due to complications from two recent strokes.

Smith’s career spanned four decades. He was hired as the director of the Campus Activities Center by then-Vice President of Administration and Finance, Roger Lowe, on Aug. 1, 1978. Smith caught the attention of Lowe after a successful tenure as the director of South Dakota State’s student union.

“Bill was an excellent choice in bringing professionalism to the assignment,” Lowe said. “I valued him as a very strong team member.”

Services were held at Woodlawn United Methodist Church on Friday. WSU bowling coach Gordon Vadakin spoke in remembrance of Smith.

“He was very good at what he did,” Vadakin said. “We were unable to make our payroll before he took over.”

Smith faced both staff and building troubles. He fostered an environment of teamwork amongst the Campus Activities Center staff and set out to create new revenue sources. During Smith’s tenure, significant renovations to the WSU Bookstore and food court were completed. He was also able to implement policies and programs that resulted in significant energy savings throughout the building.

The William H. Smith Bowling and Recreation Center was renamed to honor Smith’s contributions to campus activities on the occasion of his retirement July 1, 2008.

In many ways, he laid the groundwork for the ongoing Rhatigan Renewal project, scheduled for completion in 2014.

“He brought us (up) to one of the most respected student unions in the United States,” Vadakin said.