Jerry Smith with the sculpture he created for Santa Clara Law’s centennial in 2011.
Jerome A. “Jerry” Smith BA ’58, JD ’65 has passed away. He was a dedicated alumnus to Santa Clara University, and the artist who created Santa Clara Law’s Centennial Sculpture that is featured in Bannan Hall’s Levy Student Lounge. His memorial service will be held at Mission Santa Clara on Thursday May 18, at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow in the adjoining gardens at Santa Clara University.
In 1974, and again in 1978, Jerry was elected to represent the 12th Senatorial District in the California Legislature. His most notable legislation included the California Coastal Act that preserves the California coastline, the Victims of Crime Act that provides assistance to victims of violent crime, and the California Conservation Corps Act which provides training and work opportunities for young people with an emphasis on conserving and enhancing natural resources. In 1979, Jerry was appointed Associate Justice to the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District in San Francisco, and served on the bench until his retirement in 1996. Upon his retirement from the bench, Jerry pursued his artistic talents, honing his skills as a sculptor at the San Jose State University foundry.
