Gannon University Athletics

Dee Smith was selected as the 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipient after being a devoted employee of Gannon University for almost 40 years, including 31 years with the Gannon Athletic Department.

She spent two four-year stints with Gannon's Library/Technical Services before moving to the Athletic Department in 1989 when she became the secretary for the football team after the program was resurrected. Smith spent 18 years with the football team before becoming the administrative assistant for Gannon Athletics in 2007. She served in that role until her retirement in 2020. She also was the advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in the late 2000s.

One of the people who nominated her for the Distinguished Service Award wrote: "Dee was highly respected by her peers and the athletes. She was sought after for her expertise both by the staff and the athletes in resolving problems, answering questions, and advising the athletes. Her knowledge and experience were invaluable to the department and went a long way toward earning the respect of the department throughout the league."

• Class of 2024 story.