2015 Hall of Fame Inductees

Members of the Edwin O. Smith Hall of Fame
Inducted November 2015:

David Blei (1992), Giovanni Favretti (1976), Jennifer Gordon (1983), Beth Harper Larkins-Strathy (1970), Evan Rogers (1977), James R. (Bob) Hopson (1979), Lori Kessel (1983), Lorie Lynn McCollum-Murray (1978), Ron Pires (coach, 1980 - ),
Lyle Yorks (1988)
(click on the inductees' photo to view bio)

David Blei (1992) David Blei distinguished himself in his graduating class as he (along with Alexis Katz) was voted “most unique”. He wasn’t even willing to acknowledge that he was going to college in the yearbook. The Oracle (the student newspaper) took up much of his time. After high school, he did go to college – to Brown University where he majored in computer science, and followed that degree up with a Ph.D. from Berkeley (University of California). He has since taught computer science and statistics, first at Princeton, and currently at Columbia University. He received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2011, and the Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists in 2013. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals since 2008, and has mentored over twenty graduate and post-doctoral students.

Giovanni Favretti (1976) Giovanni Favretti’s active participation at E. O. Smith – National Honor Society, Student Council, University of Connecticut Board of Representatives for E. O. Smith, and the madrigal singers, culminated when he received the prestigious E. O. Smith Award. In 1980, Favretti graduated cum laude from Harvard University, with a concentration in classics: Latin and Greek. He also studied orchestral and choral conducting and composition in Salzburg, Austria, and became fluent in Italian and German. Following his college graduation, he began a successful career in the financial services industry, earning his CFA as well as other numerous prestigious designations. Throughout his career, Favretti has continued to be an active member or trustee of business and community organizations related to music, rare books, the classics, and public service.

Jennifer Gordon Class of 1983 Jennifer Gordon’s distinctions at E. O. Smith carried over into her post-secondary education and career. She graduated at the top of her high-school class and was instrumental in starting E.O. Smith’s chapter of Amnesty International. She played clarinet with the E.O. Smith band, and was an editor of Virtu, the literary magazine. After earning both her undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University, Jennifer became a public-interest lawyer, founding the Workplace Project, which organizes immigrant workers coming to the U.S. from primarily Central and South America. For these efforts, she was named a MacArthur Prize Fellow. Her book, Suburban Sweatshops: The Fight for Immigrant Rights, was published by Harvard University Press. Gordon is currently a Professor of Law at Fordham University School of Law. She writes and speaks frequently about immigration and low-wage workers’ rights. In 2015, the National Law Journal named her an “Outstanding Woman Lawyer.”

Beth Harper Larkins-Strathy Class of 1970 Inspired by her father, a plant science professor at UCONN, her mom, a creative art teacher/artist and her teachers at E. O. Smith High School, Beth discovered her own passion and joy in the field of education. She has been recognized as an outstanding and innovative educator with teaching and administrative experience on the elementary, middle and collegiate levels. She is the recipient of many prestigious education awards such as Region 15 Teacher of the Year, Connecticut State Teacher of the Year Finalist and Celebration of Excellence four time winner. She is a published author of numerous books and articles such as, A Teacher’s Guide to Performance Based Learning and Assessment and The Election in Your Classroom: Election Connections for Critical Thinking. In addition, she has presented at over 200 state and national conferences. Beth devotes her skills, time and spirit to improving public education and advocating for students. As the Associate Dean of the School of Education at Quinnipiac University, Beth continues to promote academic excellence, ensuring that future generations enjoy high-quality teachers as well.

Evan Rogers Class of 1977 Evan Rogers’ interest in music manifested itself at E. O. Smith High School. According to his senior biography, “music … bongos… Stevie Wonder, …Earth, Wind and Fire … Tower of Power” were his primary interests. After high school, Rogers became a songwriter and record producer; he has written and produced hits for Kelly Clarkson, Shakira, Rod Stewart, Christina Aguilera, and ‘N Sync. He discovered, developed, and signed world-wide superstar Rihanna. Rogers and his partner, Carl Sturken, have achieved more than 20 Top-40 hits and twelve Top-5 hits and earned six BMI awards. Their songs have sold more than 60 million albums, both in the U.S. and around the world.