Lafayette Smith Brings Winning Spirit to Pink Night

As part of its Pink Night celebration, Middlesex College honored long-time employee Lafayette Smith before Thursday night’s basketball doubleheader against Delaware Technical Community College.

Smith, 70, has worked in the counseling department since 2001 and been at the college since 1998. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.

“I am just honored,” said Smith, who is also a Deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in East Orange. “When I heard I was like, ‘Really? Really?’ I know God is good. I might even shed some tears because I get emotional.”

“Lafayette Smith has been an inspiration serving this campus community in various roles for over 20 years,” said Middlesex College athletic director Rocco Constantino. “He’s got an incredible attitude and outlook on work and life. We were thrilled to have him join us for Pink Night, which is set up to raise awareness about cancer and cancer research.”

Smith was born in Washington, D.C., to a military family. He attended Upsala College in East Orange, which closed in 1995, earning his degree in counseling. After two years working as an official at Rikers Island, he joined the Middlesex College administration in 1998 as the assistant director of the Educational Opportunity Fund before becoming a counselor.

“I still love it,” Smith said. “I never have had two days exactly the same. I love working with students. I love trying to get them to the next level, whether it’s Rutgers or Kean or Temple, or anywhere. Once they get their degree at Middlesex, they have that confidence and belief to go to the next level.”

Smith underwent prostate surgery in March 2024 and made a strong recovery returning to work that May. He is planning to retire in June, but will remain active.

“I am still above ground and doing plenty,” Smith said. “I am 70 in number, but in spirit I am probably 35 to 40. I feel good. I got my energy back.”

Smith is an avid basketball fan who played into college. He was excited to watch the Colts play and wouldn’t mind taking a shot of his own.

“You know schools do that thing where if you make a shot from half-court you get a nice check,” laughed Smith. “All I want is one shot! If I get it and get the reward I’ll take my family out to dinner.”

The Middlesex College women’s basketball team won their game 83-67 and are 12-13 for the season. The men’s team lost 80-77 but are 19-7 for the season and have already qualified for the NJCAA Division II Region Tournament, which will be held the weekend of February 27 at Lackawanna College.