Who is darden smith

Smith began writing songs the age of ten, and has been recording since His music remains rooted in the songwriting traditions of his home state of Texas, while reflecting influences of rock, folk, and Americana rhythms and melodies. These songs are medicine for a world gone wrong.

After a decade spent tapping the transformational possibilities of collaborative songwriting in a range of contexts—from homeless youth at Covenant House to HIV-affected villagers in South Africa and Botswana—Smith founded SongwritingWith:Soldiers in To date, the program has held more than thirty events at locations in Texas, New York, New Jersey, California, Maryland, Florida, Colorado and Virginia, and has expanded to include retreats for military families, military couples and student veterans.

The music created during retreats and one-day workshops is shared online and through social media and concerts to raise awareness and help bridge the divide between military and civilian communities. He leads songwriting workshops in the US and the UK, and works with major companies in key areas conflict resolution, team building, innovative thinking using songwriting to inspire creativity and collaboration within the traditional work environment.

Following a First Year in which in-person classes and student activities were limited due to the COVID pandemic, Smith now starts his second year with tuition and costs covered and a full return to the in-person Darden experience inside and outside the classroom. The fresh perspective has him looking ahead to a year of making a major impact on the life of the School.

Darden remains the only U. Up to five fellowship recipients each year are awarded full-tuition scholarships — funded 50 percent by the Stamps Scholars Program and 50 percent by Darden — in addition to an enrichment fund to support research, conference attendance or participation in Darden Worldwide global experiences.

The funding arrangement for the fellowships leverages giving to drive additional support for a philanthropic passion. To date, there have been 40 Stamps Fellows at Darden, all awarded as First Years before Smith became the first Second Year to receive what will become an annual tradition.

The Walk-On Scholarship will recognize a student who distinguishes herself or himself during the First Year in academics, leadership and other ways. Smith says he applied to Darden lacking the typical test scores needed to earn scholarships, but he knew he wanted to work hard and stay curious in the classroom. And he knew his story: That after seeing the power of business to support the Detroit community and be a force for good in the world, he wanted a career as a leader who improved the lives of employees and communities.