Dave Smith has contributed to York’s growing infrastructure for more than 45 years. As a student, he excelled in athletics, competing as a varsity runner and winning five provincial and two national cross-country titles. As an employee, he worked as York’s sports seminars coordinator and later became the University’s director of management information.
As a volunteer at York, Smith shared his passion and competitive spirit with the students. He was the University’s cross-country coach and head coach of the track and field team. He created the York Open, an indoor track meet that has been held for 42 years, and co-directed the annual Corporate Challenge Indoor Track and Field Meet, which raises scholarship funds for York students. In 1980, Smith was one of the first athletes inducted into the York University Sports Hall of Fame. He is retired and living in Aurora with his wife, Donna.