Celebrating Black History at Bowdoin: The Indomitable Wil Smith ’00

BRUNSWICK, Maine – Twenty-one years ago, the Bowdoin Magazine published an article, written by Mark Alcarez, titled “A Letter to Olivia,” featuring the astonishing story of Bowdoin scholar-athlete Wil Smith ’00, his daughter Olivia, and their unique journey beneath the pines. 

Wil Smith enrolled at Bowdoin at age 27 with two-year-old Olivia in tow, and spent his college career juggling the roles of single parent, student, athlete, and member of the Navy Reserves. He went on to get a law degree and served for a decade as Associated Dean of Multicultural Students at Bowdoin before becoming Dean of Community and Multicultural Affairs at the Berkshire School. For 15 years he worked at Seeds of Peace International Camp in Otisfield, Maine, while continuing to coach basketball at every opportunity. 

In the summer of 2015, Wil Smith passed away from colon cancer at the age of 46. Watch the Story Corps video below, as well as the original Bowdoin Magazine piece that first told the story.