Dr. Robert Smithwick 'Father of Foothill DeAnza' Passes

Dr. Robert Smithwick, considered the father of Foothill DeAnza College District, passed away peacefully early this morning in his sleep, college district Chancellor Linda Thor announced Friday evening. He was 92. 

Dr. Smithwick's "great vision shaped the Foothill-De Anza district," said Thor, referring to his participation in the first conversations among area school district trustees and superintendents that led to the creation of an independent community college.

"I believe that Dr. Smithwick’s values are deeply embedded in our district," Thor said. "Many of you knew him for much longer than I, but it didn’t take long to see that he was passionately committed to the idea of excellence and opportunity for all."

Dr. Smithwick was chairman of the first elected board of what was then called the Foothill Junior College District in 1957 and continued his service on the board for nearly 35 years, Thor said. Since the establishment of the district, about 1.2 million students have attended Foothill or De Anza colleges.

As a resident of Sunnyvale, he engaged in many volunteer activities and was a pediatric dentist for many years in town. Smithwick served on the board of the Fremont Union High School District, serving the two districts concurrently for a number of years. 

Smithwick's pride in the district was apparent, Thor said, and up to the last year had remained actively engaged in the important events of the district, his gracious presence always noted at tenure receptions, graduations and other key events.  

In a 1996 interview, he recounted how for many years he’d made a habit of walking the campus during the first week of school to watch students register. “It really gives me a thrill to see what a difference in a lot of people’s lives we’ve made over the years,’’ he said. “…We have made an enormous impact on this community.” 

"Our hearts go out to Dr. Smithwick’s children, Cathye and Michael," Thor said. "The Foothill-De Anza district, and the tens of thousands of students who have attended Foothill and De Anza to improve their lives, are powerful testimony to their father’s work, love and dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy lives on."

A memorial service celebrating his life would be held in the next few weeks, Thor said.