In 1988, alumna Robin Berkowitz-Smith ’83 returned to Syracuse University as a newlywed and a professional ready to work with students. What began as a dual job offer for her and her husband, Jeff, turned into Robin’s 38-year legacy of mentorship, leadership and care for thousands of students and fellow staff members.
“My deepest gratitude goes out to all who supported, challenged and inspired me throughout my 38-year career here,” says Berkowitz-Smith. “It’s been an honor and all will be missed.”
Robin Berkowitz-Smith with Otto the Orange
Berkowitz-Smith’s connection to Syracuse started long before her professional tenure began. As an undergraduate, she was a resident advisor in Sadler Hall and worked in Food Services. After graduating in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition management, she pursued a master’s degree in higher education administration at Kent State, where she met her future husband. The couple returned to Syracuse in 1988, newly married and eager to begin their careers in higher education.
Her early years were spent in residence life, where she initially served as a residence director (RD) in Flint Hall. Her husband was the RD in Day Hall, and they split their time between two apartments on Mount Olympus.
Over the years, Berkowitz-Smith climbed the ranks, becoming a coordinator on South Campus, then assistant director and eventually associate director, overseeing all of the residence halls on North Campus (which at the time housed more than 5,000 students).
The most challenging parts of the job were helping students navigate roommate issues and assisting students dealing with personal struggles. “I really learned to mediate and to listen, and to collaborate with others to provide the support that students needed,” she says.
Berkowitz-Smith’s care was also felt by her colleagues.
Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate dean at Hendricks Chapel, says Berkowitz-Smith helped smooth her transition to the University when she arrived in 2002 as the director of the Office of Residence Life.
“She was an incredible colleague—steadfast, deeply compassionate and absolutely student-centered in everything she did. Her warmth, insight and candor have had such a lasting impact on all of us who’ve had the privilege of working with her,” Kantrowitz says. “Robin always kept it real—always genuine, always grounded, always honest.”
Every year on opening weekend, Berkowitz-Smith would walk every floor of every residence hall before move in, checking to make sure resident advisor door tags and bulletin boards were up and welcoming.
“That level of care sent such a strong message to staff, students and their families: You matter, and how you’re welcomed matters,” says Kantrowitz.
Berkowitz-Smith was also invested in her students’ social and leadership development. She was instrumental in launching such programs as Orange After Dark, and initiated and implemented the first overnight retreat to build community among honors students.
In 2018, after three decades in residence life, Berkowitz-Smith transitioned to the academic side of the University, joining the College of Arts and Sciences as an academic advisor.
Four years later, she joined the Renée Crown University Honors Program. It was a shift driven by a desire to return to her passion—working directly with students. “I didn’t want to supervise anymore,” she says. “I wanted to advise and to connect.”
Robin Berkowitz-Smith, center back, with Renée Crown Honors Program colleagues, from left, Danielle Smith, Allie Heppner and Niki Swackhamer
She quickly realized that what students needed most wasn’t a thesis advisor—it was someone who cared. “They just need someone to tell them that they’re doing okay, that they’re enough,” she says.
“Over the years, Robin has made invaluable contributions to the honors program. As an academic advisor, her love for students played a major role in ensuring that honors students had meaningful student experiences and thrived academically,” says Danielle Smith, professor of African American studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program. “Robin taught the honors sophomore seminar, and students learned so much from her about conducting research, doing community service, preparing for internships and other professional opportunities. Her guidance has been instrumental for the growth of students.”
Allie Heppner, associate director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, says Berkowitz-Smith’s dedication, thoughtfulness and behind-the-scenes leadership shaped the student experience in profound ways. “Robin leaves behind a legacy and a community of staff, faculty and students who are excited to celebrate her next chapter and will long appreciate the positive mark she made,” she says.
Berkowitz-Smith’s daughters, Brianna ’13 and Alea ’14, G’15, were greatly impacted by their mom’s tenure at the University. They lived in a South Campus apartment when they were small and grew up on campus, attending ORL picnics and student events.
When it came time for college, their parents took them to look at other colleges and universities, but they both gravitated back to Syracuse. Both were resident advisors during their time here. “They bleed Orange too,” says their mom. Both are now elementary school teachers in the Liverpool Central School District.
For her retirement, Berkowitz-Smith’s colleagues and former students compiled a 30-minute video filled with messages of gratitude. The words that came up the most? “Caring,” “supportive” and “mentor”—testament to the relationships she built over nearly four decades.
The decision to retire wasn’t an easy one, she says. A Philadelphia native and first- generation college student, she has been working since she was 12. But after her mother’s passing and with her daughter’s wedding approaching, she felt it was time.
Retirement for Berkowitz-Smith, however, doesn’t mean slowing down. She is already enrolled in a class on ancient China, intends to return to ceramics and is planning for a trip to Japan and China with her husband. She also looks forward to spending more time in her garden. “I am not saying I won’t work again,” she says. “But right now, I want to find me again.”
