Smallwood Fountain Plaque

Beneath the outstretched wings of three bronze doves, the Smallwood Fountain whispers a story of life, loss, and remembrance. The Smallwood Fountain at Los Angeles Pierce College isn’t just a place to fill your water bottle. It’s a living tribute to Dr. Jeffrey Alan Smallwood, a passionate biologist whose life was tragically cut short by AIDS in 2003. The Smallwood Fountain, dedicated in April 2005, is more than just a fountain. It’s a place of quiet reflection in the college’s botanical garden. The eight-foot granite monolith, sourced from southern Utah, stands as a silent sentinel. The plaque at the Smallwood Fountain tells his story. It speaks of his dedication to evolutionary biology, ornithology, and community ecology. It highlights his love for teaching and mentoring students at UCLA, CSUN, College of the Canyons, and his true home, Pierce College. Dr. Smallwood wasn’t just a scientist; he was an avid field biologist, spending countless hours observing and researching in Canyonlands National Park and the Arizona deserts. He was known for his sharp eye for detail and his deep respect for all living things. The plaque shares a quote from Charles Darwin, reflecting Smallwood’s passion for evolution: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” The Smallwood Fountain serves as a poignant reminder of a life dedicated to understanding the interconnectedness of life and the constant dance of adaptation. It’s a place where the gentle murmur of water blends with the whispers of memory, honoring a man who deeply appreciated the natural world.