Editor’s note: A statement from Manhattan Institute executive vice president Vanessa Mendoza on the passing of MI board member Donald G. Smith.
Everyone who knew Don loved him. That is true for so many of the staffers and fellows here at the Manhattan Institute, and it is certainly true for me.
Don came to our events often and would stay late for any occasion we asked. He was an early supporter of both the Adam Smith Society and the Young Leaders Circle, as well as the founding supporter of our video program at MI. He cared about debate and discussion, he cared that young people were exposed to good ideas, and he gave the Institute every opportunity to try new things that might advance our mission. And Don had a great sense of humor. He made everyone around him have a good time and feel appreciated—he had a gravitational pull. His absence will be deeply felt.
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