Charles "Chuck" Smith Memorial Award

Charles (Chuck) Smith enrolled at Lakehead University in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce Program majoring in Business in 1985. Entering as a mature student, Chuck was witty and fun thus quickly became a favourite of many of his business professors and peers. Chuck excelled in his program and upon graduation in 1989, Chuck embarked on a successful 30-year career in business commerce. Chuck had a deep passion for mentoring entrepreneurs, which he did with great enthusiasm and success over his entire career – most notably during his time at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Sadly, Chuck passed away in 2023, at the young age of 64. Although Chuck left us too soon, he managed to leave behind a legacy of having had a significant positive impact on the many people that he worked with and mentored over his business career.

In Chuck’s honour, and to keep on doing what he was so passionate about, the Charles “Chuck” Smith Memorial Award was created by his family, friends, and prior colleagues (as well as some complete strangers). This award reflects Chuck’s character and spirit of “it’s never too late to reach for your dreams” and “in a world where you can be anything, be kind”.

Awarded to a full-time student enrolled in their final year in the Faculty of Business Administration.