Glenn Smith’s father passed away several years before Smith applied to college to study aeronautical technology and engineering. Family resources had become tight, and donors at Glenn’s college made it possible for him to earn his degree. “If it was not for generous people, I would not have been able to attend,” he says, noting he has become a dedicated donor to Plymouth State University to return the kindness. “I worked hard, and I wanted to give back.”
Smith and his wife, Jean Jamison, chose Plymouth State because they admire the Music Department and want to support a school where they can have maximum impact.
“Plymouth State is a small school, and it’s very dedicated and very professional in the application of the programs it offers,” Glenn says. “Students like attending. They get a lot of personal attention, and the college is always forward-thinking. It’s got a wonderful history as well. It embodies the ideal New England college in a wonderful rural setting. It’s a wholesome environment.”
Sanbornton residents since 1989, Smith and Jamison have established a scholarship fund for Plymouth State music students in their estate plan, which also provides that Smith’s grand piano will be donated to the University.
Recently, the couple contributed a $57,000 gift to help fund a new digital piano laboratory that will be integral to the new Bachelor of Arts degree program in Digital Music Production and Entrepreneurship. Today, musicians and aspiring music producers compose primarily through computer software rather than traditional means.
While Glenn worked as a mechanic and a pilot early on in his career and later as a welding engineer, piano has been a focal point since he was five years old and began taking lessons. His father was also a musician.
Glenn bought his grand piano in his thirties and plays every day. He connected with PSU’s Music Department in 2017 when a pilot friend invited him to his piano performance at the University.
“After I became acquainted, Jean and I started attending music festivals and getting more involved with the college,” Smith explains. “We both became very attached. We adopted Plymouth State. Both of us felt it was a small enough university, and we could have an effect.”
Smith and Jamison have visited the new piano lab, and Smith even gave one of the pianos a try. “The quality was phenomenal,” he says, adding of their ongoing support, “It’s all about the students. It’s giving back. It’s paying it forward. A lot of the people we see coming to Plymouth State as students are local to New England. They can really use the help.”
HOLMES HERITAGE SOCIETY
Anyone can leave a legacy. Glenn and Jean have established generous bequests that will support Plymouth State students in perpetuity. There are many ways to make an impactful gift that will shape the future with your legacy. For more information, visit plannedgiving.plymouth.edu or contact Director of Development John Scheinman ‘19P, ‘21PG by at (603) 535-2805 or email at jscheinman@plymouth.edu.
