Honoring a legend: Dr. Valene L. Smith

Dr. Valene L. Smith is a name that is known across tourism and anthropology circles as one of the founding mothers of the study of tourism. Not only is she credited for the ground-breaking 1977 edited anthology Hosts and Guests: The Anthropology of Tourism, but also being an inspiring educator, visionary, and adventurous risk-taker. Dr. Smith's love of travel and curiosity of world cultures and social change was a passion from childhood, and became her profession for life. This article traces Dr. Smith's journey and how her lifelong motto, "learn by doing, teach by being," was put into practice. Today, the Museum of Anthropology at California State University, Chico, that bears her name, represents a testament to Dr. Valene L. Smith's vision, pushing boundaries to engage and collaborate, promoting and supporting education and opportunities of students, and connecting the public to the diversity of the human experience. Dr. Valene L. Smith left us this year, 2024, with much more than a wealth of publications and a life devoted to curiosity and education, she gave us a thirst to learn by doing.