Alpha Tau Omega - University of North Dakota

THE DELTA NUS 3 T he Hon. Kirk B. Smith '50, an outstanding alumnus of Delta Nu Chapter who was known to the public for his fairness as a judge and his love of community, entered Chapter Eternal on July 8, 2024. He was 94. To ATOs young and old, he was known as Kirk, as he wanted. He served for three decades as chapter alumni adviser and was known to make many stops around the chapter house. He was among the leaders of the new house project and was a friend to all members. "He was always available to assist members with counsel and advice—and on a few occasions was there to help members with difficult personal legal matters and situations," Jerry Van Eeckhout '59 said. Kirk's career included serving as justice of the peace and county justice for Grand Forks County, Grand Forks County and North Dakota District Court judge, and presiding judge of the Northeast Central Judicial District. He also sat on the North Dakota Supreme Court and Intermediate Court of Appeals. Kirk served in the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet during the Korean War and earned his law degree at UND. Joel Medd, a retired judge and colleague of Brother Smith, told the Grand Forks Herald that he was a man who had a zest for life, with a quickness in his step and a twinkle in his eye. Brother Smith was born in Cogswell, N.D., in 1930 and set a path of leadership as a young man. He was elected governor of North Dakota Boys State in 1947. Kirk, Van Eeckhout said, was "a true friend and supporter of Alpha Tau Omega." Mourning a Legend Kirk Smith '50 – 1930-2024 Judge Smith's son, Tom, fondly recalled the time when his dad "pardoned" a couple of local inmates in response to President Gerald Ford's decision to clear Richard Nixon's record in the Watergate scandal. The story made national news, including the version on this page from the San Francisco Chronicle. Tom said the move by his dad showed his fairness and mercy. "Thank you for continuing to honor my dad," Tom said. T he 100-year celebration of Alpha Tau Omega's presence at the University of North Dakota is looking to end the year with a bang and start 2025 strong. The UND ATO Foundation unveiled its Centennial Scholarship Campaign earlier this year with the goal of raising $1 million in cash, property, and deferred gifts. The Foundation, which has provided financial support to brothers for more than four decades, is looking to provide about $50,000 per year in scholarships and grants for the next century. The move follows the mortgage burning party for the spectacular new Delta Nu Chapter house at 3000 University Avenue. The house boasts traditional features such as a gothic arch at the front entrance, an embattlement parapet above, and cast stone trim around the windows. And it's all bought and paid for, thanks to generous donations from alumni. "ATO is on a roll for continued excellence," said Brother David "Bails" Bailly '69, Foundation head. "This scholarship campaign will be an exceptional benefit to assist the chapter in recruiting and retaining quality members for the next 100 years." Please let Bails know if you are interested in serving on the Foundation Board, as he is going to update the corporate leadership for this campaign and future scholarship decisions. If you are able to help with a donation, please see information on how to do so below. NEW HOUSE, NEW SCHOLARSHIPS Donations are fully tax deductible as provided by law. They can be made payable to The Alpha Tau Omega Foundation of the University of North Dakota and sent to David R. Bailly, CEO of the UND ATO Foundation, 1114 E. Lake Geneva Rd, Alexandria, MN, 56308-8178. Brother Bails can be reached at (701) 866-8581.

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