Fresno State alumna, friend and benefactor Muriel Smittcamp died Wednesday, Oct. 7. She and her husband Earl operated the family's business, farming and food processing facilities in Clovis. Mrs. Smittcamp was 92.

Mrs. Smittcamp was born Muriel Schmeiser and grew up in the southern San Joaquin Valley cotton town of Corcoran. She graduated from Fresno State in 1940, a year after her future husband, whom she met in a geology class. They married Sept. 7, 1940.

The Smittcamps’ impact on campus is profound. In 1997, a $2 million gift from the Smittcamps set into motion the creation of two campus icons: the Smittcamp Family Honors College and the Smittcamp Alumni House.

Fresno State President John D. Welty said, “Muriel Smittcamp was a beloved member of our Fresno State family. She was the devoted matriarch of her family, yet found the time to give, to serve and to lead in so many ways at Fresno State and in the community.

“We are so fortunate that Muriel's life path lead her to Fresno State. From earning her degree to making it possible for future generations to attend college, her impact will be felt here forever,” Welty added.

The Smittcamps envisioned the Honors College as a way to attract the state's highest-achieving high school students to Fresno State.

Thanks to the vision of Muriel and Earl Smittcamp, each year 50 students are awarded President's Honors Scholarships and undertake challenging and interesting coursework toward earning their degrees. The hope is that many of these students will remain in the region to share their expertise after graduation.

The Smittcamp Family Honors College supports the couple's belief that "education and hard work set in place the best foundation for career success and lifelong personal well-being.”

At the dedication, the Smittcamps issued a statement saying, “An honors college should provide students the opportunity and possibility of becoming the best at everything they do -- thinking, analyzing, envisioning, understanding, articulating and, of course, doing. We felt the best honors college experience should be available to all young people in the Central Valley and are pleased to have a part in making it a reality."

The Smittcamp Alumni House, a 10,000-square-foot, two-story colonnaded house that welcomes visitors, alumni, dignitaries, conference participants and friends to campus opened March 21, 2000.

The Smittcamps were intimately involved in many details of the construction of the house - from the Southern mansion-inspired design to furnishings. All four of their children - Bob and Bill Smittcamp, Carol Copeland and Betsy Kimball - graduated from Fresno State.

In 1980, Earl and Muriel Smittcamp were awarded the Arthur Safstrom Service Award in recognition of their longtime volunteerism and generosity in serving the Fresno State Alumni Association.

The Smittcamps have generously supported numerous initiatives on campus, ranging from athletics to agriculture. Mrs. Smittcamp was a familiar and friendly presence at campus events and activities.

In addition to her volunteer work and support at Fresno State, she was a leader for a wide variety of community organizations.