Carlos Smith '57, executive director of the Alumni Association, is retiring on March 31, 2006.

He served three Utah State University presidents. He was hired by former President George Emert in 1994 to resurrect the alumni chapters of the 1960s and restore the association to financial stability. Eleven years later the association boasts 4,000 dues-paying members and 41 chapters -16 outside of Utah, five international and the balance in Utah. These chapters help recruit students, lobby the legislature and support athletics. In 2004-05, Alumni Association events and membership fees raised more than $100,000 in scholarships, besting the University of Utah by $25,000. A Student Alumni Association was also expanded to nurture lifelong involvement in the university.

Smith leaves the association on solid financial footing with an endowment of $2 million, mostly in support of scholarship needs. Alumni association leaders say that he will be best remembered for his gift of gab and affability. Having started three successful small businesses in Salt Lake City, he understood the value of connecting with people.

"I am a true Aggie," says Smith, who met his wife Annette ('58) at USU. All four of their children are graduates who went on to earn advanced degrees.

Smith's successor has yet to be named. Dennis Sessions '70, Alumni Association president from 2001-03 and former university trustee, is chairing the search committee, which will interview candidates for the directorship and make recommendations to Vice President for Advancement Scott Mietchen and USU President Stan L. Albrecht.

Smith is confident they'll find a highly qualified, enthusiastic successor. "This is the greatest job in the world. You get to visit every day with Aggies."