Robin Berkowitz-Smith's 38-Year Odyssey at Syracuse University: A Heartfelt Tribute
Robin Berkowitz-Smith, a beloved figure at Syracuse University, spent 38 years shaping the lives of students through her dedication to mentorship and support. Her career, marked by a profound commitment to student success, came to an end in 2025 after nearly four decades of service.
Throughout her tenure, Berkowitz-Smith focused extensively on mentoring students, indicating a strong commitment to their personal and academic development. Her service spanned across various roles, starting as a resident advisor in Sadler Hall and working in Food Services, before becoming a residence director in Flint Hall in her early years at the university.
In 1988, Berkowitz-Smith returned to Syracuse University as a newlywed and a professional, marking the beginning of her long-term service. She climbed the ranks, becoming a coordinator, assistant director, and associate director. During this time, she oversaw all of the residence halls on North Campus, which housed more than 5,000 students.
Berkowitz-Smith's career took a turn towards the academic side of Syracuse University in 2018, when she joined the College of Arts and Sciences as an academic advisor. In this role, her love for students played a major role in ensuring that honors students had meaningful experiences and thrived academically.
One of Berkowitz-Smith's most notable contributions was her role in the Reneé Crown University Honors Program. Her desire to work directly with students led her to join the program four years later. Here, she taught the honors sophomore seminar, where students learned about conducting research, doing community service, preparing for internships, and other professional opportunities.
Berkowitz-Smith was also involved in launching programs such as Orange After Dark and initiated the first overnight retreat to build community among honors students. Her impact extended beyond formal programs, creating a nurturing environment for students and fostering collaboration among colleagues.
University communications highlight her "legacy of caring," suggesting that her influence went beyond the classroom. Every year on opening weekend, she would walk every floor of every residence hall to ensure a welcoming environment. For her retirement, Berkowitz-Smith's colleagues and former students compiled a 30-minute video filled with messages of gratitude. The words that came up the most were "caring," "supportive," and "mentor," testifying to the relationships she built over nearly four decades.
Danielle Smith, professor of African American studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Reneé Crown University Honors Program, appreciates Berkowitz-Smith's contributions to the honors program. Allie Heppner, associate director of the Reneé Crown University Honors Program, acknowledges that Berkowitz-Smith's dedication, thoughtfulness, and behind-the-scenes leadership shaped the student experience in profound ways.
Berkowitz-Smith's daughters, Brianna '13 and Alea '14, G'15, were greatly impacted by their mom's tenure at Syracuse University. Both were resident advisors during their time there. As Berkowitz-Smith's career comes to a close, her legacy of caring and support will continue to inspire students and colleagues alike.
[1] Syracuse University News. (2025, June 1). Robin Berkowitz-Smith retires after 38 years of service at Syracuse University. Syracuse University News. https://news.syr.edu/robin-berkowitz-smith-retires-after-38-years-of-service-at-syracuse-university/
[4] Syracuse University News. (2025, June 1). Robin Berkowitz-Smith retires after 38 years of service at Syracuse University. Syracuse University News. https://news.syr.edu/robin-berkowitz-smith-retires-after-38-years-of-service-at-syracuse-university/
- Robin Berkowitz-Smith's legacy at Syracuse University encompassed more than just academics, extending to lifestyle, education-and-self-development, and general news, as she championed students' personal growth, helped shape their futures, and fostered a nurturing environment.
- During her 38-year tenure at Syracuse University, Berkowitz-Smith was not only a celebrated academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences but also a dedicated mentor, shaping the lives of students and contributing significantly to their education-and-self-development and lifestyle.
