Carolyn Smith retired from The Writing Center in December of 2024 after almost 50 years at Washington University. She served undergraduate and graduate students in The Writing Center for over 29 of those years.
As one of the first tutors hired by The Writing Center when it was founded in 1995, Carolyn served hundreds – perhaps thousands of undergraduate and graduate students, all of whom benefited not only from her skills and insights but especially her genuine warmth and encouragement.
Carolyn helped shape our center and set an example followed by tutors who have had the privilege to learn from her and work alongside her. Her warmth and kindness set the tone for the many spaces occupied by The Writing Center from Olin Library to Eads, back to Olin Library and finally to Mallinckrodt. And during the Covid-19 pandemic when so many international students were unable to come to the United States for the academic year, she projected that warmth across the globe to make sure they felt seen and supported.
In honor of Carolyn’s many years of supporting students, The Writing Center has named one of our graduate fellowships in her honor. The Carolyn Smith Distinguished Fellowship will be awarded each year to a returning graduate fellow who has demonstrated the same warmth and kindness Carolyn put at the center of her work.
We are grateful for Carolyn’s many years in The Writing Center, and we look forward to this fellowship continuing her legacy into the future!
The first recipient of this fellowship will be announced in May.