Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award: Richard Smart

Richard H. Smart worked for aerospace giant McDonnell Douglas Corporation for 37 years. Hired as a project and design engineer, he was responsible for the development, presentation and ultimate sale of the Delta Launch Vehicle System to NASA.

Following his success with the Delta project, Richard went on to serve as the deputy director of operation control and then director of industrial engineering. In 1985, he
was named manufacturing program manager, a position he held until his retirement.

Upon his retirement, Richard returned to his community college roots as an adjunct faculty member of physics at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma, and Tulsa Community College.

Richard received his associate’s degree from Benton Harbor Junior College, the predecessor to LMC, in 1950. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Michigan as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Southern California.

Richard Smart received the Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007.