“For commitment, persistence and dedication to the cause of education. Your actions have created a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.”
—Leadership in Education Award presented to Craig Smith by EEF
March 21, 2024
On the occasion of its Annual Dinner & Gala Moving Forward Together the Eugene Education Foundation honored a giant in the field of education in Eugene: Craig Smith, lawyer, father, educational advocate, Rotarian, 20-year member of the Eugene 4J school board, and board president of the Eugene Education Foundation from 2015 to 2019.
Anne Marie Levis, herself an education activist who served on the 4J school board for 12 years, presented the award to Craig. Anne Marie summarized his many years of public service, beginning with the 1980s when Craig was active on the Churchill High School Site Council and worked for kids with the Eugene Rotary Club. In the 1990s Craig was active with the Chamber of Commerce and part of community substance abuse prevention efforts, working hard to create alternative activities for youth.
Anne Marie shared anecdotes and accolades from colleagues and friends, including former state legislator Phil Barnhart, past 4J superintendent George Russell, Merri Steele and Paul Duchin who were co-presidents of the EEA when Craig was on the school board, Joy Marshall of Stand for Children, and Mario Conte, partner at the law firm Hershner Hunter where Craig was a partner for 43 years. All described Craig as fair minded, compassionate and an able facilitator who always kept the best interests of the students at the center of discussion, able to forge agreements among people with differences by focusing on their common goal of furthering educational excellence in 4J schools.
Through these decades of service Craig has been husband to Mary (they’ve now been married 53 years), father to two daughters and now grandfather to two grandchildren. Craig’s service on the Eugene school board had a powerful ripple effect at home, as both of his daughters have forged successful careers in public education.
Mary, daughters Katie and Kristi and son-in-law Russ Cox all attended the EEF annual dinner. Among the 180 guests at the event were countless friends and colleagues, turning out once again to support the educators and students in 4J, and to raise a glass in honor of Craig Smith.
The Eugene Education Foundation Board and staff join the community in congratulating Craig Smith and thanking him for his leadership in Education. The EEF Moving Forward Together gala raised over $115,000 in support for grants to 4J educators for the 2024-25 school year.