Jay Michael Smith ’62 Establishes Endowed Tuition Fund

Jay Michael Smith ’62 understands the joy of giving because he learned early in his life the joy of receiving. Thanks to the kindness of others, Mr. Smith received a full, four-year scholarship to attend Cathedral High School. As a young black student who lived in the inner-city with his great-aunt, the scholarship was the only way he could attend Cathedral. And after attending St. Bridget’s Catholic Elementary School, he appreciated all the benefits of receiving a Catholic education.

“I respected the Brothers of Holy Cross,” said Mr. Smith. “They delivered the instruction and discipline I needed to succeed as a young African American male growing up in the inner city.”

Mr. Smith went on to graduate from Ball State University and succeed in the banking and insurance industries. At one point in his career, he also worked for the Morehouse College Medical School Administration, helping develop the infrastructure for the medical school. He chronicles his life in his book, “Adventures of an Inner-City Kid.”

Throughout his journey, Mr. Smith says he was blessed by the lifelong connections of his Cathedral family. And, he says, he made a commitment to give back to the school that formed a foundation for him. “Cathedral taught me the value of participation and helping others. You have to share what you’ve received.”

Mr. Smith and his wife, Dr. Lucia Spears-Smith, have established the Jay Michael Smith ’62 and Family Endowed Fund for Tuition Assistance. Each year, one student will be selected to receive a partial tuition assistance grant through their matriculation at Cathedral. Recipients will be chosen from a pool of incoming freshmen applicants. Primary consideration will be given to an African American student enrolling from a Catholic ACE Academy school.

And even though Mr. Smith and his wife have lived in Phoenix, Arizona, for seven years, they remain committed to giving back to dear old Cathedral. “There are so many Cathedral graduates who helped me,” says Mr. Smith. “When you’ve been blessed, you can’t be selfish.”

View a complete list of Endowed Funds at Cathedral. If you’re interested in establishing a fund, please contact Abbe Ernstes at (317) 968-7348 or aernstes@gocathedral.com.