"He has been a tremendously positive force on the development of the [Dana Farber Institute]," said Christopher T. Walsh, Gaiser professor of biological chemistry and pharmacology and president of the institute.

Other University observers said yesterday that Smith's familiarity with Harvard's medical community would serve the Corporation well.

"He has for a long time been a friend of the Faculty of Medicine, both through his leadership at Dana Farber and his service to Beth Israel Hospital," said Dean of the Medical School Daniel C. Tosteson '44. "The University will certainly benefit from his wise counsel."

In addition to the Board of Overseers, Smith serves on several influential governing committees at Harvard, including the board of the Aeneas Group, Inc., a subsidiary of the Harvard Management Company.

Smith also sits on the executive committee of the Committee on University Resources, the standing committees on financial policy, humanities and arts, and the Joint Committee on Appointments.

He is also the chair of the Visiting Committee to the Harvard Business School.

Smith is an honorary trustee of the Buckingham, Browne and Nichols School in Cambridge and of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.

Smith has three children, two of which are graduates of the College and the Business School, and five grandchildren