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Homer Smith, Jr. ‘76 has dedicated more than four decades to serving the Erie community through education, public service and volunteerism. Following his graduation with a degree from Gannon University in secondary education, Smith remained in Erie and launched a decades-long career of public service that has impacted generations of students and residents.
Smith began his career in the Intensive Treatment Unit at Gannondale New Horizons, where he served the organization for more than 35 years. He also held two professional roles at Gannon University—first as a counselor in the Act 101/EOP program from 1976 to 1979, and later as assistant director of Alumni Services from 2005 to 2010.
Between those appointments, Smith worked for the City of Erie for 25 years, from 1980 to 2005, in roles focused on human relations, ADA compliance and labor equity.
Most recently, Smith worked for 11 years at Erie Rise Leadership Academy Charter School, serving in various capacities including Facilitator of Special Programs, Athletic Director and Public Relations Officer. Smith retired in 2022.
In addition to his professional work, Smith has volunteered thousands of hours as coordinator of WERG’s Super Soul Saturday—a Gannon community radio program he has helped lead for nearly 50 years.
Smith, under Dr. Antoine Garibaldi’s term as Gannon University’s president, engaged a number of African American alumni to form the Gannon University African American Alumni Committee with the main goal of enhancing the experiences of black and brown students at the University. The group, among other things, has taken on several challenges over the years including establishing endowments to provide scholarships for eligible students.
He is deeply involved in his faith community at St. James AME Church and has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards throughout Erie, including GECAC, the NAACP and Gannon’s Alumni Board.
Smith feels Gannon University has provided him with a rich undergraduate experience, valuable skills through his 1995 Leadership Training Program, amazing volunteer engagement with WERG, employment opportunities as a career counselor and Assistant Director of Alumni Services, lifelong friends and opportunities to network and reconnect alumni back to the University.
As part of the Distinguished Alumni honors, a special award is presented in memory of Monsignor Wilfred J. Nash to recognize alumni and friends of the university who uphold the ideals of faith and service in their life and work.
