Maxine A. Smith Center
8800 East Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN 38125
Groundbreaking: Pictured (L to R) TBR Regent William Watkins, Vice Chair-Regent Bobby Thomas, Honoree-Dr. Maxine A. Smith, President Nathan Essex, Pastor Rosalyn Nichols, Regent Gregory Duckett, TBR Chancellor Charles Manning, and Vice Chair of the Southwest Foundation Board Mary McDaniel.
A large crowd of admirers and supporters of Dr. Maxine A. Smith braved torrents of rain to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Southwest center named in her honor on April 3 at the center's site, 8800 East Shelby Drive. The new center, which will replace the College's Southeast Center, was named for Dr. Smith in recognition of the significant contributions she has made in the struggle for educational equality in the state of Tennessee and for civil rights.
Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Charles Manning, Vice Chair-Regent Bobby Thomas, Regent William Watkins, and Regent Gregory Duckett. Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton and Collierville Mayor Linda Kerley attended, as well as Mark Stansbury, assistant to the president, The University of Memphis. Representatives of Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Bob Corker, and Congressman Steve Cohen also attended, as did representatives of the NAACP and members of the clergy.
Southwest President Nathan Essex summarized the scope of the replacement center by saying, "We believe that this project that we are embarking on will enable us to facilitate our mission of providing needed educational services for many deserving students in the southeastern sector of the city, which is one of the fastest growing areas of Shelby County."
Remarks from the platform included Chancellor Manning's reflections on Dr. Smith's long and effective educational service to the state and the Memphis community: "It is with great pride that we name this new center in honor of Dr. Maxine A. Smith, a longtime educational and community leader in Memphis and our state. Dr. Smith has championed the cause of improved educational opportunities for Tennesseans throughout her professional career."
Dr. Maxine A. Smith accepts the honor of having the new Southwest Center bear her name.
Dr. Smith, accompanied by her husband, Vasco Smith, and several close associates, greeted and embraced well wishers, rekindling old friendships and acquaintanceships. In her acceptance, she referred to the work of her early college days and her struggles for educational equality. She ended by saying "The best part of my life is the love affair I had with Vasco for 58 years and the love affair with all of my family and friends who have been my backbone; who have been the troops in my army; and who have made it possible for me to stand here today."
The Southwest Singers performed an a cappella rendering of Every Time I Feel the Spirit. Mayors Wharton and Kerley paid tribute to Dr. Smith. A reception was held at the Southeast Center following the ceremony due to the inclement weather.
View the groundbreaking gallery of photos.
Project Timeline
- Estimated Completion Date: June 8, 2009
- Estimated Move in Date: July and August 2009
- Fully Operational Fall Semester 2009
Adobe Reader is required to view the Maxine A. Smith Center.
Maxine A. Smith Center (Rendering) |
