A Simon friendship creates a lasting legacy
New endowed scholarship honors the life and legacy of Simon alumnus Jeffrey R. Smith
A new endowed scholarship at Simon Business School will honor the life and legacy of Jeffrey R. Smith ’87, ’88S (MBA), whose friendship with Michael J. Degenhart ’88S (MBA) began as Simon students nearly four decades ago.
The Michael J. Degenhart ’88S (MBA) Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Jeffrey R. Smith ’87, ’88S (MBA) will support future generations of Simon students while paying tribute to Jeff, who was killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City.
For Mike, establishing the scholarship is a way to ensure that his friend is remembered not only for a life cut tragically short, but for how fully he lived it. Jeff was known for his humor, kindness, warmth, and enthusiasm, as well as the deep importance he placed on family and friendship.
A friendship formed at Simon
Mike first met Jeff in January 1987 through a student-run investment club while they were pursuing their MBA degrees at Simon. Jeff quickly stood out for his smile, quick wit, and infectious sense of humor.
What began through a shared interest in finance soon developed into a close friendship. During graduate school, the two spent countless hours studying together, sharing meals, watching sports, and enjoying Sunday afternoons over wings and beer at the Elmwood Inn.
Graduation took them beyond Rochester, but their friendship remained strong. They regularly gathered for dinners and golf outings and stayed connected as they built careers and families.
Mike also encouraged Jeff as he pursued his goal of joining a New York City investment firm. In 1996, Jeff achieved that goal when he joined Sandler O’Neill & Partners as an equity research analyst.
Their friendship became woven into some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Mike gave a reading at Jeff’s 1997 wedding to Ellen, and four years later, Jeff stood beside Mike as a groomsman at his wedding in June 2001.
Remembering a life lived with enthusiasm
Jeff left behind Ellen and their two young daughters, Maggie and Charlotte, along with family, friends, and colleagues whose lives had been enriched by knowing him.
Those closest to Jeff remember far more than his professional accomplishments. They remember his humor, kindness, warmth, and enthusiasm for life.
He was an avid scuba diver and hiker, a world traveler, and an enthusiastic Miami Hurricanes fan. He and Ellen shared a particular love of adventure and scuba diving. Jeff proposed to Ellen beneath the stars on Little Cayman Island, and the couple later explored the Coral Sea off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on their honeymoon.
Most of all, Jeff treasured the people in his life. Friends remember someone who laughed often, valued relationships deeply, and had a way of making any gathering more enjoyable simply by being there.
Carrying a friend’s legacy forward
The scholarship reflects both the life Jeff lived and the extraordinary friendship he and Mike shared for more than 14 years. It also connects Jeff’s legacy to the place where their friendship began.
Through the endowment, Mike hopes to help future Simon students pursue the educational opportunities that meant so much to both men. He also hopes recipients will be inspired by qualities that defined Jeff’s life: friendship, generosity, curiosity, perseverance, and a deep love of family.
By supporting future Simon students, the Michael J. Degenhart ’88S (MBA) Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Jeffrey R. Smith ’87, ’88S (MBA) ensures that Jeff’s legacy—and a friendship that began at Simon—will continue to make a difference for generations to come.
Rigorous Thinking.
Real Transformation.
Simon Business School develops analytical thinkers and adaptive problem-solvers who lead people, ideas, and industries into the future.