Clemson honors Columbia developer with Lifetime Achievement Award
October 21, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Recognizing a man who has risen to the occasion at key moments, William C. “Bill” Smith Jr., chief executive of Red Rock Developments, was named this year’s recipient of the Brian Dawkins Lifetime Achievement Award from the Clemson University football program.
Smith received the award at halftime of Clemson’s game with Louisville Oct. 11. The award honors performance on the field along with contributions in leadership and community service.
“I’m humbled to be mentioned alongside a man of such high character on and off the field as Brian Dawkins,” Smith said. “The lessons I learned as a Clemson student-athlete prepared me to compete in the business world. I have been very fortunate, and I am thankful for the many opportunities I have had to give back.”
The award is named for Brian Dawkins, a Clemson All-American defensive back who went on to a Hall of Fame caliber NFL career. Dawkins developed a reputation for leadership on and off the field. He was the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2013.
Smith was a four-year letterman and starting defensive end on Clemson’s 1981 national championship team. Playing for the title in the Orange Bowl against top-ranked Nebraska, Smith set a career high with 10 tackles.
At age 36, Smith became the youngest-ever person elected to the Clemson Board of Trustees. He later served as vice chairman and became a life member in 2010.
During a 30-plus-year career in commercial real estate, Smith has been involved in office, industrial and retail projects around the Southeast. Red Rock Developments clients include an array of familiar names, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Michelin, Monster.com, Owens Corning and Publix.
Smith is a member of the economic developers associations in North and South Carolina, and has served on the boards of EdVenture Children’s Museum and the Columbia Urban League.
“Bill Smith is one of our most respected former players,” Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney said when the award was announced. “He is an example of what our players should strive to be after they graduate.”
