Emily Birnie Smith Endowed Scholarship

The Emily Birnie Smith Endowed Scholarship was established in 1974 by Mrs. Smith at the age of 94 as part of her outstanding tradition of support. This scholarship supports students enrolled in Rush College of Nursing. Mrs. Smith was a member of the Rush Woman’s Board for more than 72 years. Her husband, Harold C. Smith, was founder of Illinois Tool Works, today a Fortune 500 company that produces engineered fasteners and components; equipment and consumable systems; and specialty products.

The Smith family legacy of service and philanthropy is widespread throughout the Chicago area, and their connection to Rush has spanned six generations. Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s son, Harold B. Smith, has served on the Rush Board of Trustees since 1968 and became its longest-serving board chairman from 1978-1988. Descendants of the Smith family continue to serve Rush in many volunteer leadership positions throughout the organization and provide philanthropic support to various programatic and research endeavors.