Muriel Smittcamp, a generous supporter and benefactor of the Smittcamp Family Honors College and the Smittcamp Alumni House, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the age of 92.

“The hard part is to encapsulate the number of accomplishments of this amazing woman,” said Honora Chapman, director of the Smittcamp Honors College.

Mrs. Smittcamp was born on July 8, 1917 and grew up in the small town of Corcoran. She attended California State University, Fresno where she met her husband Earl in a geology class. She graduated in 1940 and was married on Sept. 7 of that same year.

All four of Earl and Muriel’s children – Bob Smittcamp, Bill Smittcamp, Carol Copeland and Betsy Kimball – graduated from Fresno State.

The Smittcamps’ gift of $2 million led to the creation of the Smittcamp Family Honors College and the Smittcamp Alumni House.

“They’ve donated so much to the university over time in other ways besides Smittcamp,” Chapman said. “They’ve really made a huge impact on campus.”

Fresno State President John D. Welty expressed his gratitude toward Mrs. Smittcamp.

“We are so fortunate that Muriel’s life path lead her to Fresno State. From earning her degree to making it possible for future generations to attend college, her impact will be felt here forever,” Welty said in a press release.

Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) vice president of finance Lauren Johnson, who is also a Smittcamp Honors student, expressed her gratitude for the Smittcamp Honors program. She said it is one of the best things Fresno State has to offer.

“I’m so grateful for everything she has given us,” Johnson said. “She was an amazing woman and she touched so many people’s lives.”
Chapman agrees.

“She and her whole family are the epitome of the Fresno State ideal of giving back to the community. There are very few families who have had such an impact,” Chapman said.