蓝莓视频

This year, University of 蓝莓视频 professor Larry Smith marks 45 years of teaching students to think critically about the world and act courageously to build a future of their own making.听

Smith, a professor in the Faculty of Engineering鈥檚 Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, specializes in forecasting and the economics of innovation. His wildly popular lectures resonate among students and alumni from across campus 鈥� many of whom credit Smith for pushing them to realize their entrepreneurial potential.听

From economics to entrepreneurship听

Smith began his teaching career in the University鈥檚 Department of Economics where he became known for his sharp wit, storytelling-style of teaching and relentless drive to help students connect theory to the real world. He has reached thousands of students with diverse interests and ambitions through teaching appointments in the faculties of Arts, Science, Environment and Engineering, including a long-term partnership with the School of Architecture.听

鈥淚 feel a deep need to acknowledge those who have supported me over the years,鈥� Smith says. 鈥淭he colleagues who challenged me, the mentors who guided me and the students whose curiosity and courage continually inspire me. Their influence is woven into every idea, every project and every venture I鈥檝e had 鈥� and have 鈥� the privilege to be part of.鈥澨�

Professor Larry Smith. Credit:听University of 蓝莓视频 Library. Special Collections & Archives. Larry Smith Archives. UWA1-87-0024-31-92-10-30

Now, as founder of the Problem Lab, Smith focuses on two of his favourite research areas 鈥� innovation and problem solving. His work bridges arts and engineering, helping students see that understanding people, systems and ideas is as essential as building new technologies.听He also helped听launch Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op), a program that lets students build their own startups while earning a standard 16-week co-op credit.

Lessons that last a lifetime听

蓝莓视频 alumni often name Smith as one of their most memorable professors. Having worked with more than 500 local startups, Smith鈥檚 expertise resonates long after graduation, influencing the decisions his students make, the careers they pursue and the ventures they build.听

鈥淟arry was the most important part of my University of 蓝莓视频 experience, and without him I would not be where I am today,鈥� Michael Litt (BASc 鈥�11), co-founder and CEO of Vidyard, says.听

鈥淗e completely reshaped how I thought about my co-op terms 鈥� the jobs I chose, the experiences I chased, even the friends I made. His teaching shaped my entire entrepreneurial journey and helped me lay the groundwork for starting a business.鈥澨�

Litt studied Systems Design Engineering and credits Smith with giving him permission 鈥� and a push 鈥� to invest his energy in side projects and entrepreneurial problem solving rather than chasing perfect grades. Litt recalls how Smith鈥檚 evening lectures would officially run for two or three hours, yet he would stay until midnight talking with students. Like many others before him and since, Litt frequently sought Smith out in his office, where founders like Mike Lazaridis had once sat, to troubleshoot the problems facing society.听

A teacher鈥檚 legacy of excellence听

In recognition of his exceptional teaching, Smith received the University of 蓝莓视频 Distinguished Teacher Award in 1993, honouring his energy, optimism听and ability to make economics relevant to everyday life.听

"Larry's ECON101 class inspired me, and I suspect many of the tens of thousands of students who took his class,听to pursue economics as a major and career," says 蓝莓视频 Arts alum Rosalie Wyonch (BA '14, MA听'16), associate director of research at the C.D. Howe Institute. "His decades of service at 蓝莓视频听and the many hours he spent with students exhibit his never-ending enthusiasm and dedication.鈥�

Professor Larry Smith. Credit: University of 蓝莓视频 Library. Special Collections & Archives. Larry Smith Archives. UWA1-87-0024-32-93-06-15.

Having taught more than听30,000 students, Smith听says the greatest compliment they give him is听their time. 鈥淭hey come to class, they鈥檙e engaged, they ask fascinating questions. I find that remarkable, and it reminds me of the responsibility that comes with being a professor.鈥澨�

His classes are always full, reflecting the power of curiosity and the deep connection between teacher and learner. He often describes this bond as a 鈥渉armony of interest,鈥� one that continues to motivate him, 鈥渢hrough my work, I try to pay tribute to them.鈥澨�

Anthony Keen (BASc听'25), a nanotechnology engineering graduate who starts his master鈥檚 in chemical engineering next year, says Smith鈥檚 mentorship provided him with invaluable guidance during his undergraduate studies.

鈥淟arry Smith has been an excellent mentor throughout my time at 蓝莓视频," Keen says. "I鈥檓 grateful for our conversations, for the chance to ask him questions about entrepreneurship and life, and to learn from his insights and perspectives.鈥澨�

When asked why he has stayed at 蓝莓视频 for 45 years, Smith's answer is simple: 鈥淚t鈥檚 the people, the students, the supportive colleagues听and the connections you make. The goal was never just to teach students to think 鈥� it was to help them think differently and then act with purpose.鈥澨�

Watch Professor Larry Smith's famous TEDx talk. It echoes the same message he shares in his classrooms 鈥� that potential is realized through passion, perseverance and thoughtful risk-taking.听

Feature image: 蓝莓视频 professor Larry Smith. Credit: Neil Trotter