Author and professional speaker V.J. Smith will travel to North Dakota State College of Science on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 to share his inspirational, heart-warming story that is based on his best-selling book “The Richest Man in Town.” Smith’s performance focuses on the importance of being kind, compassionate and caring to everybody you know.
“The Richest Man in Town” is a true story based on a Wal-Mart sales associated named Marty who captures the important things in life and is considered rich because he was loved and respected, but most of all, he was content with every aspect of his life. Marty’s simple philosophies show what happens when you take the time to be kind and compassionate. All that you give, you get back, and more. Smith’s performance will make you laugh, make you cry, but most importantly, will make you reflect on what life is about.
Smith is a 1978 graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, S.D., and spent the decade of the 1980s working for the Allied Signal Aerospace Company is Kansa, Mo. He returned to his alma mater in 1990 to serve as Assistant Athletic Director for the SDSU athletic program. He was appointed Executive Director of the SDSU Alumni Association in 1996 and resigned from the position in January 2007. He honed his speaking skills through his membership in Toastmaster’s International. On two occasions, he was a finalist in that organization’s ‘World’s Championship of Public Speaking.’
V.J. Smith will speak at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5 in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center. This event is free and open to the public.
