Richard W. Smith

Richard W. Smith, Omicron, 1933, Phi Alpha 1984-1985

Richard W. Smith, Omicron, 1933, was a distinguished attorney in Lincoln, Nebraska. Following his Dean at Harvard Law School, Roscoe Pound, he joined Woods & Aitken in 1938, and became a Partner in 1948. Specializing in construction law and government contracts.  He remained at the firm 58 years, retiring in 1996, and continued to serve as of counsel until his death.

In 1951, Dick was appointed by the U.S. District Court of Nebraska to represent Henry Hawk pro bono in his notorious habeas corpus case. Dick procured Hawk’s freedom in 1952.

Brother Smith was also a lifetime supporter of Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU).  In 1960 he was recognized with the Alumni Association’s highest award, the Medal of Honor. He served on its Board of Trustees from 1956-1974.

Dick as an undergraduate was a member of the local Crescent Fraternity, which affiliated with Zeta Psi in 1958 as the Omicron chapter. In 1990, Dick played a key role in the construction of the chapter’s new fraternity house at Nebraska Wesleyan.

In 1987 he received Zeta Psi’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.