Kit and Diana Smith pledge $3 million to support KU Law students and student-athletes
LAWRENCE — Christopher “Kit” and Diana Smith have pledged $2 million to create the Dean Davis Law School Scholars Fund at the University of Kansas and $1 million to create the Kit and Diana Smith Athletics Scholarship for KU student-athletes.
The Smiths’ law gift honors former School of Law Dean Michael Davis for his excellence at KU. In addition to his law faculty duties for over 40 years, Davis served as dean of the law school for nine years and was the first university general counsel from 1974 to 1980. Davis was a gifted fundraiser for the law school and for KU. He also served for 20 years as counsel to the Kansas City firm Stinson Morrison and Hecker.
The Dean Davis Law School Scholars Fund will provide five Kansas residents pursuing a degree at the KU School of Law with a full scholarship for three years. The gift will both honor Davis and provide opportunities for future KU Law graduates.
“It was a great privilege to serve KU Law for 44 years as a professor and dean,” Davis said. “This gift is both humbling and thrilling. Humbling because of the scores of wonderful colleagues with whom I served during those years. Thrilling because it will enable so many Kansans to attend this great school without mortgaging their personal and professional futures.”
The Smiths said they wanted their gift to inspire others, especially senior KU Law alumni, to give back to the school that has provided its students with so many opportunities. The new scholarship should help attract highly qualified law students to KU.
In addition to helping future Kansas lawyers, the Smiths also believe in supporting student-athletes. The Kit and Diana Smith Athletics Scholarship will provide scholarships for student-athletes participating in rowing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, volleyball and tennis.
“Athletics teaches qualities we value immensely – resilience, leadership, work ethic and confidence,” Diana Smith said. “By investing in these young people, we are not only providing educational opportunities but also empowering future leaders who will positively impact their communities and professions far beyond the playing field.”
KU Endowment President Dan Martin understands both the importance of philanthropy and a KU education as a KU Law alumnus himself.
“The Smiths’ generosity is an incredible example of supporting students across campus, from the School of Law to athletics,” Martin said. “Giving is all about honoring and supporting others, and these gifts embody that spirit.”
KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management foundation for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment is the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.