Student Stephen Smisson dies

5:04 p.m., April 1, 2010----Stephen Smisson of Dover, a University of Delaware 
senior sociology major who would have graduated this spring, died Monday, March 
29, at Kent General Hospital in Dover. He was 23.

He completed his associate's degree through UD's Associate in Arts Program in 
Dover in 2008. He was a member of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the 
University and the Dover Air Force Base Chapel. He enjoyed participating in 
sports activities, but most enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the Washington 
Redskins and Atlanta Braves, play.

Renee Fisher, who served as Mr. Smisson's academic adviser while he was in the 
Associate in Arts program, said he was a hard-working and conscientious student. 
“He was very much looking forward to relocating and continuing his studies on 
UD's main campus. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to know him and help guide 
him academically. He will be missed.”

Joanne Nigg, profesor of sociology and Mr. Smisson's adviser, said, "Stephen was 
a quiet, serious, respectful young man who never mentioned his medical condition 
as a reason for not participating as fully as possible in all aspects of his 
classes.... We met on several occasions to plan out his future course work and 
to discuss career possibilities. Stephen originally talked about wanting a 
career in law enforcement and had taken some classes in our Criminal Justice 
program. After he was exposed to some of the courses on disasters and emergency 
management, we discussed merging these two interests of his by looking at career 
possibilities in homeland security.... In hindsight, Stephen's enthusiasm in 
planning for a future career where he could help people and insure their safety 
was an example of his courage and optimism at a time when he was facing a 
personal health crisis."

Mr. Smisson is survived by his parents, Charlie and Carol Smisson of Dover; a 
brother, Burton T. Smisson, of Raleigh, N.C., and a sister, Cassandra P. 
Smisson, of Houston, Texas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 5, at Holy 
Cross Catholic Church, 631 South State St., Dover. Friends may call from 6-8 
p.m., Saturday, April 3, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 East Lebanon Rd., 
Dover. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
Contributions in Mr. Smisson's memory may be made to the American Society of 
Hematology, 2021 L St., NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036 or the Make a Wish 
Foundation, P.O. Box 749596, Los Angeles, CA 90074-9596.