Travis Smith has continued to be a part of the Jesuit community since his graduation in 1991, participating in many alumni events from reunions to the Golf Tournament and Food Drive. Now, his experience has come full circle with children Ella '20 and Bennett '22 currently attending Jesuit. Travis began serving as a member of the JHS Board of Trustees in 2014. This year, in addition to his roles on the school's finance and executive committees, he is serving as Board Chair.
Q: How did your Jesuit student experience shape who you are today?
A: Jesuit absolutely shaped who I am today: spiritually, academically and socially. My closest friends today are my classmates from the class of '91. Jesuit prepared me for college, which prepared me for the work force. And, the impact of priests like Father Oliver, S.J. are still with me today.
Q: Are there any teachers, classes, or activities that left a lasting impression on you?
A: I cannot write a memo or even an email today without hearing Mr. Schattenberg or Mr. Hazel in the back of my head, critiquing my choice of words and grammar. I remember fondly Mr. Carlson's "Who Am I's" in history, Mr. Freeman's laid-back approach, and Mr. Nicholas rattling off our list of to-do's "in any order." And, my kids are in awe at the speed in which I type, which has everything to do with Mrs. Schuster and her manual typewriters. Coaches too: Mr. Massey's "on the hustle," Mr. Potter's "do it again," and Mr. Simon's poly spots -- makes me smile just thinking about it and absolutely influenced me as a youth coach.
Q: What made you want to come back and serve as Jesuit Board Chair?
A: Jesuit gave me so much, and I am hoping to give just a fraction of it back to the school. And, selfishly, it helps me stay connected.
Q: How does the JHS community still play a role in your life?
A: I love attending Jesuit athletic events, Friday masses, drama productions, and annual events like the Alumni Food Drive and Golf Tournament. My personal social life rarely involves a get together without a JHS classmate of mine.
Q: What's it like to now be a parent of current JHS students?
A: We moved back home from Ohio so that our children could attend Jesuit. My daughter Ella just returned from the October Women's Encounter and my son Bennett is playing freshman football. I love every minute of it.