Henry DeWitt Smith Memorial Fellowship

Henry DeWitt Smith’s example of inspired leadership, professional success, personal integrity, and boundless dedication was his heritage to the mining industry - which he served all of his adult life. His wife, Ellen Burke Smith, created the Henry DeWitt Smith Fellowship in his memory. The recipient will receive a single payment of USD 5,000.

This Scholarship is supported by The American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers

Eligibility

• Must be pursuing a graduate degree (master’s or PhD) in petroleum engineering or a related field
• Must be an SPE member
• Comply with sanction policy
• Complete the electronic application submission process

Only applications submitted via the link provided will be accepted. Applications received in any other format will not be eligible.

To Apply

1. Submit the online application form by noon CDT (UTC-5) on 15 April.
2. You must submit at least one recommendation and documentation for entry exams (if applicable).

U.S. law prohibits provision of certain services to individuals residing in embargoed countries; therefore, not all applicants may be eligible to participate in the Henry DeWitt Smith Fellowship program. Read more.

About Henry DeWitt Smith

Born in Plantsville, Conn. in 1883, Mr. Smith received his E.M. from Yale's Sheffield Scientific School in 1910. As one of the last junior engineers trained by Josiah Edward Spurr, he saw most of the western part of the U.S. and much of Mexico. Following that period, he became foreman at Kennecott's Alaskan copper mine and successively rose to mine superintendent and assistant manager. From there he went to the United Verde in Jerome, Ariz., first as mine superintendent and later general superintendent.

In 1924, Mr. Smith became associated with the New York Trust Co. in the industrial department but after a few years mining proved too great a lure and he returned to United Verde. In 1930 he joined the Newmont Mining Corp. with whom he has remained associated ever since except for the period from 1941 to 1944 when he was Executive VicePresident of Metals Reserve Co., a Reconstruction Finance Corp. subsidiary.

In 1939, the British liner "Athenia" was torpedoed with Mr. and Mrs. Smith and one of their daughters aboard. Although the family was separated in their lifeboats, they were eventually picked up and reunited.

This fund is set up in his honour through the AIME, SPE’s parent organization. Fellowships are awarded by multiple other societies in his name including AIST, TMS and SME.