Syracuse alumnus Parrish Smith ’14 believes that money can buy happiness. “As long as you give it away,” he points out.
A vice president at the global, private investment manager Neuberger Berman, Smith insists that giving is good for your health. “Studies show that acts of charity can improve your mood, lower your blood pressure and even increase your life expectancy,” says the native New Yorker, referencing a recent article on the subject in The Wall Street Journal. “Philanthropy isn’t about how much you give but how you give.”
Parrish Smith ’14 chairs the Philanthropy Committee of the Syracuse University Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. He hasn’t missed a Syracuse Giving Day since its inception in 2017.
Beyond his role on Neuberger’s Private Credit Team, Smith finds meaningful ways to make an impact at work, from inspiring colleagues through the firm’s mentorship program to co-chairing its NextGenNetwork.
Smith also understands the link between health and financial well-being. He recently participated in the New York City and London marathons on behalf of the Mount Sinai-Adolescent Health Center and the WellChild national U.K. charity, respectively.
But it’s at his alma mater where Smith’s largesse truly shines. A former member of the Generation Orange Leadership Council, he currently chairs the Philanthropy Committee of the Syracuse University Alumni Association (SUAA)’s Board of Directors.
No surprise that Smith hasn’t missed a Syracuse Giving Day since its inception in 2017. On March 27, he intends to continue this streak and invites Orange friends everywhere—students, faculty, staff and alumni—to participate in the “24-hour celebration of giving” that benefits the University.
“Syracuse Giving Day lets me direct my contribution to where I want it to go,” says the former accounting major in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. “Supporting things that I’m passionate about makes me happy.”
Smith (back row, far left) at a Generation Orange Celebration during Orange Central.
Combining Passion and Purpose
Smith’s mother instilled in him and his brothers, at a young age, the importance of giving back. “Recognizing the impact that something has on your life and then paying it forward are part of my personal value system,” he says.
This philosophy followed Smith to Syracuse, where his involvement with New Student Programs, Greek Life and Syracuse Madrid fostered a sense of purpose and community.
"[Generosity] creates a special bond between likeminded individuals," says Smith (far left) in front of the Hall of Languages.
“These organizations introduced me to a diverse group of people who I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise,” he says citing, as examples, his host mother in Spain, his former roommate from Bahrain and his best friend who lives in Australia. “I still keep in touch with many of them.”
In addition to the SUAA Board, Smith is an active member of the Alumni Club of New York City. Both organizations enable him to show his Orange pride while practicing gratitude and generosity.
“There’s something special about giving back to Syracuse, which has given me so much,” says Smith, who encourages donors to support the University out of desire, not obligation. “Generosity rooted in authenticity is more impactful. It creates a special bond between likeminded individuals.”
Meeting current and prospective students is a “big motivator” for him. During Winter Break, Smith attended a breakfast hosted by Whitman on Wall Street, in which undergraduates traveled to New York City to visit various financial firms.
“Giving back to what’s been given to you creates a cycle of support,” says Smith, who encourages donors to support the University through time, talent or treasure.
Seeing the excitement on their faces took him back to when he was a student. “If I can guide them on their career path and toward their goals, I’ll consider it a win-win,” he says.
More recently, Smith worked with the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving to organize a Young Alumni Reception. Amid a chatter-filled room of 20- and 30-somethings at Midtown Manhattan’s 48Lounge, he was reminded of the enduring bond between graduates—a force that inspires and rewards.
Be it through time, talent or treasure, philanthropy shows Syracuse students the value of staying connected after graduation.
“Giving back to the place that once gave to you ensures the success of future generations," Smith says.
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