Why I Give - Jennifer Smock DC’81

Jennifer Smock graduated from Douglass College in 1981. She has been in pharmaceutical sales for over 25 years in increasingly senior positions focused on rare diseases related to gastrointestinal issues, immunology and neurology. Jennifer is currently a Key Account Manager. As a transfer student, Jennifer sought a sense of community and she found that at Douglass. Through the encouragement of her roommates, of which 3 out of 5 participated in the rowing team, she added the excitement of rowing to her college experience.

What was your most meaningful Douglass experience?

The combination of my Douglass courses and my on campus living experience was instrumental in providing the confidence I needed to excel as a college student.  The courses gave me a chance to explore unusual subject matter, like my History of War course. Additionally, living on campus, particularly in the Henderson Apartments, as a transfer student, with other amazing Douglass women, taught me to be independent and try new things. 


Why do you make charitable gifts to Douglass?

As someone who has always had an interest in science, especially the science of medicine, I appreciate that one of the giving priorities at Douglass – Advancing Women in STEM at Douglass – supports students interested in STEM. My support is focused primarily on providing opportunities for Douglass STEM students to do scientific research. Douglass students receive stipends to conduct full-time scientific research for ten weeks each summer.  From studying cancer and spinal cord injuries to analyzing water pollution and computer data clustering – and many other STEM research areas - Douglass students are gaining critical research experience that will help them succeed in their STEM majors and go on to advanced study and careers in STEM fields. Knowing I play a role in creating these meaningful opportunities is why I make charitable gifts to Douglass.


What are your words of inspiration for the class of 2019?

The career or job you find for life right out of college, may not be the career path you stay with during the course of your professional career. Be open to trying different opportunities and taking risks – calculated risks— and you may find doors open for you.