Presbyterian Village North (PVN) hosted the Third Annual Texas Smoot Day on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the McGowan Auditorium. Presented by The Kerwin Society (TKS), the event honored the life and work of STEM residents, represented by Robert (Bob) Kerwin, former Bell Laboratories chemist and Martins Landing resident, and celebrated curiosity, learning and community connection.
The theme this year was “Building Bridges” and featured the dedication of the new Skillman Street Bridge. The program included a panel discussion led by Susan Morgan, Carol Donovan and PVN resident Allen Dogger. Their discussion highlighted the bridge’s role as a critical connector for Lake Highlands and both sides of LBJ, from Richland Campus through the neighborhood to Live Oak. All five bridges on the PVN campus were measured and recorded in the official Book of Smoots, and a “Smoot Book Award” was presented to a deserving high school STEM student, Tobi Okusami from Dallas Lutheran School and Alex Esteban Martinez from Richland College.
Texas Smoot Day also highlighted the enduring impact of Oliver R. Smoot, whose work in measurement, including The Science of Measurement and Smoot’s Ear, began as a playful 1958 MIT prank but grew into a serious contribution to engineering. At PVN, the event combined this tradition with real-world engineering insights, showing how measurement, creativity and curiosity connect communities.
The celebration also honored Bob Kerwin’s legacy, recognizing his encouragement of learning in science, technology, engineering and math. Festivities ran from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. giving residents and guests a chance to enjoy fellowship, learn about the Smoot tradition and share a morning of connection and discovery.
What is a Smoot? Click here to learn more.
Click here to see the Smoot measurements of the bridges at PVN.
PROGRAM OF EVENTS:
1. Welcoming remarks and Recognizing Establishment of the Smoot on Harvard Bridge in October 1958 and Ollie Smoot’s role as promoting MIT (STEM) – TKS Executive Secretary Mike Amis –
2. Panel: “Building a Bridge to Somewhere” – Panel: Susan Morgan, Lake Highlands Volunteer, Carol Donovan, East Dallas Civic Leader; Allen Dogger, PVN Resident and Dallas Civic Leader, Oliver R. (Ollie) Smoot, Jr.
3. Singalong “Cross Over the Bridge” – John Landino and Jim Bob Holmes, pianist
4. Announcement of 2025 PVN Smoot Measurements- “The Bridges of PVN” and Declaration of the First TKS Smoot Bridge Tom Dortch and TKS President, Emmitt Smith
5. Presentation of Smoot Book Award for 2025 – Dallas Lutheran School’s Mike Zimmerman, Teacher, and Tobi Okusami; Richland College’s Jo Blackburn, former Professor and PVN resident and Alex Esteban Martinez
UNIFORM QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE HALL OF SMOOTS
1. Current Height of 5’7″
2. At age 65 or older 5’6″ or 5’8″
3. At age 35 or older, 5’7″ but no longer 5’6” to 5’8″
“once a smoot, always a smoot”
LIST OF INDUCTEES PVN INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENTS AND TEAMMATES
Ariel Arnold, Daisy Fuentes, Emmitt Nelson, Pat Markell, Emmitt Nelson, Tom Panzer and Bob Steves
Special acknowledgements to these participants and visionaries:
Robert Kerwin (1932-2024)
Bob, the youngest child of Tom and Liz Kerwin, was raised in Quincy, MA, attending the Massachusetts Fields School and North Quincy High School. In 1954, he earned a bachelor’s degree in science from Boston College and was awarded a master’s in science from MIT in 1958. In 1964, he completed a PhD in chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, serving as a junior fellow in polymer science at the Mellon Institute. At that time, he joined AT&T’s Bell Telephone Laboratories as a member of technical staff in the electronic component processes laboratory in Murray Hill, New Jersey.
Oliver Reed Smoot, Jr.
Oliver Reed Smoot Jr. American Lawyer, trade association executive. Bar: District of Columbia 1966, Virginia 1967. Vice chairman American National Studies Institute; chairman Information Infrastructures Studies Panel, since 1998. Member American Bar Association (chairman science and technical section 1989-1990), Computer Law Association (president 1990-1991), Association for Computing Machinery.
Susan Morgan
A small-town girl from northeast Ohio, Susan Morgan earned a business degree at Bowling Green State University, then flew around the world advising business partners at the height of the 1990’s tech boom. Susan exited corporate life early to pursue her cornucopia of interests as a community organizer, crafter, singer, speaker, and now, author. Susan lives in Lake Highlands, Dallas, Texas. Susan’s recent book, “Build a Bridge to Somewhere” tells of her service to our Dallas and Lake Highlands communities which has brought us our new Skillman Street Bridge.
Carol Crabtree Donovan
With decades of experience as an attorney-mediator, business executive, political leader, and active non-profit volunteer, Carol builds bridges and, as do all our speakers, gets things done. I’ve had the privilege of also knowing Carol as leader and organizer of Dallas Lions International Clubs and as an experienced leader of Toastmasters International. Carol knows well the life of Skillman Street as it winds through Richardson, Lake Highlands and East Dallas. Carol holds the distinction of being elected the first female President of the UT-Austin Student Body.
Allen Dogger
Allen and his wife, Barbara, have recently come to join us at PVN, transitioning from their former Lake Highlands residence. Initially earning advanced academic and business recognition in media, Allen began his financial services career in which he has enjoyed success in aiding clients with responsible stewardship through customized investment strategies. His years of leadership in many Dallas and national civic, university, and political organizations have enabled him to construct strong, enduring bridges.
