Statement by Chancellor Hemenway on death of former Professor Carlyle Smith

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway issued the following statement in response to the death Thursday of Carlyle H. Smith, 93, professor of jewelry and silversmithing at KU from 1947 to 1977. He established the university's Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design area in the Department of Design, the oldest program of its kind at a state university in the United States. The Carlyle H. Smith Metalsmithing and Jewelry Studio at KU is named in his honor.

" It was KU’s great fortune in 1947 when Carlyle H. Smith was invited to come teach here. What followed was an extraordinary 30-year career as a pioneering and beloved educator in metalsmithing.

" In addition to his work in silver, bronze and gold that graces court buildings and churches and art in such distinguished collections as the Smithsonian, he leaves KU the ceremonial pieces -- the chancellor's collar and mace -- that we present at our most important university events.

" He once said 'Good design, like good music, doesn’t die.' In that we can be reassured, as we mourn his passing, that the beauty he created will live on forever. On behalf of the KU community, I would like to extend our condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.”