SC Connecticut News

David Smith, a prominent figure in the fields of religion and bioethics, passed away on October 5 at the age of 85. Smith was known for his contributions to Yale University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, where he served as its first director from 2007 to 2011.

Carleen Zubrzycki, an associate professor of law at the University of Connecticut, recalled her experience as an undergraduate student in Smith's introductory bioethics class. “There was something so grounded and real about what Professor Smith was talking about,” she said. She highlighted his approach to ethical analysis, which emphasized human flourishing and meaningful living. "He wasn’t interested in simple answers. He took students very seriously," Zubrzycki added.

Smith's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree from Carleton College in 1961 and continued with another from Yale Divinity School in 1964 before he earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He held significant roles at Indiana University, including chairing the Department of Religious Studies and directing the Poynter Center for the Study of Ethics and American Institutions.

At Yale, Smith transformed a loosely organized program into a structured center under the Institution for Social and Policy Studies (ISPS). Alan Gerber, ISPS Director and Sterling Professor of Political Science, remarked on Smith's lasting impact: “We still enjoy the fruits of his efforts and will continue to do so for decades to come.”

Smith succeeded Margaret Farley and Robert Levine in leading Yale's bioethics program towards formalization. Stephen Latham, who eventually succeeded Smith as director, credited him with establishing continuous education in bioethics at Yale.

Smith also expanded a summer program into what is now known as the Sherwin B. Nuland Summer Institute in Bioethics. This initiative invites participants globally for seven weeks of instruction each year.

Dr. Mark Mercurio from Yale Medical School recounted Smith's support during efforts to establish an ethics program there: “He was extremely supportive...very much an older brother to me.” Mercurio also remembered Smith's welcoming nature: “He never wanted to tell you how smart he was."

Donald Green, former ISPS director now at Columbia University, praised Smith’s combination of intelligence and thoughtful analysis: “David was smart and knowledgeable but also thoughtful and analytical.”

Florence McBride fondly remembered her interactions with Smith over years marked by warmth and humor: “David was one of the most interesting and charming people I’ve ever met."

Zubrzycki credits her passion for legal issues in health care partly to Smith’s mentorship: “There was something special about the way he made me feel like I was good at this."

Mercurio cherished conversations shared with Latham under Smith’s guidance: "It was something about the tone that he set...He was just an absolute pleasure to be around."

Smith’s legacy extends beyond his tenure at Yale through enduring contributions within bioethics—a field where colleagues affirm time spent with him left lasting impressions.

“He was a very special man,” Mercurio concluded.