Gallery: The Life and times of Bob Smawley | Washington State Magazine

The 2011 WSU Foundation Annual Recognition Gala honored Bob Smawley with the Weldon B. “Hoot” Gibson Distinguished Volunteer Award.

Bob Smawley grew up in and around Pullman, Washington.

Bob attended Pullman High School and worked at the college campus on the hill even as a teenager.

He loved playing sports, especially basketball.

From 1946 to 1948 Bob served in the Navy, primarily in Hawaii.

Bob returned to Washington State on the GI Bill, as a member of the freshman basketball team.

Bob married Carol Frost in 1950, then graduated from WSC in 1952.

Bob Smawley as WSC athletics ticket manager

After a short stint with a Spokane company, Bob and Carol Smawley returned to Pullman. Bob took a job as athletic tickets manager and Cougar Club coordinator.

From the time he was student to past retirement, Bob worked with six University presidents.

As unofficial WSU historian, Bob’s slideshows on the history and traditions of the place were legendary.

An avid gardener, Bob tended the grounds at the Lewis Alumni Centre, where he also served as Alumni Association president. The entrance was designated as “The Bob Smawley Courtyard.”

Bob cared deeply about his family, wife Carol and three daughters Debbie Olsen ’73, Laurie Sahlberg ’77, and Susie Waananen ’85.

He was always WSU’s “aloha man” because of his welcoming demeanor (here with wife and daughters).

Bob was honored with numerous awards, including Alumni Achievement award, Outstanding Service Award, Staff Member of the Year, and the Weldon B. “Hoot” Gibson Distinguished Volunteer Award in 2011.

Bob Smawley presenting at award ceremony

Bob (with Carol behind him) reflects on his time at WSU.

Bob greets then-President Elson S. Floyd at the 2011 WSU Foundation Annual Recognition Gala.

Bob said he was “humbled” by the volunteer award.

A fond farewell to a man who had so many Cougar friends…

…and a wonderful man who did so many things to promote WSU.

No person better deserves the title “Mr. WSU.”