• Smith received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marquette
• He serves on the board of directors for Marquette's civil engineering advisory board
• Him and his wife have been season ticket holders for Marquette men's basketball since 1973
• He has been shown on ESPN and local news stations for his "jumping around"

Rick Smith, the jumping man shown at the men's basketball games during the song "Jump Around," talks with the Tribune about his moves, his favorite players and his 40-year relationship with Marquette.

Marquette connection:

Smith, 57, went to Marquette University High School and attended Marquette University from 1968 to 1973. He also attended Marquette's graduate school part time and received his graduate degree from the College of Engineering in 1982. Smith currently sits on the board of directors for Marquette's civil engineering advisory board, where he is actively involved in fundraising for the college. Smith is probably best known to students as the legendary "Jump Around Guy" shown on the JumboTron screen during the men's basketball games.

Profession:

Smith started his own civil engineering company, R.A. Smith and Associates, Inc., in 1978. He currently serves as the company's president.

Biggest pet peeve:

"People who miss their belt loops when they put their belt in their pants. I've seen both men and women do it."

Favorite food:

Pizza

Dream vacation:

"Tahiti. We've never been there, so I would say that's our dream vacation."

Favorite spot on campus:

"The Joan of Arc Chapel. It's just beautiful to sit there and to walk around in. It's really been enhanced in the last couple of years."

Why Marquette:

"My parents very strongly believed in parochial programs. I had been brought up in Catholic schools, so after high school Marquette became a natural selection. It was probably mostly a selection of limited opportunities, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made."

Most needed change on campus:

"I would like to see the continued growth of scholarship programs and an increase in the endowment funds for the university, which Father Wild is doing a tremendous job of generating attention for. I would also like to see ongoing improvements to the campus with the beautification program."

Proudest moment:

"Starting my own business, obtaining my graduate degree from Marquette and being recognized in 2007 by the university with the Professional Achievement Award from the College of Engineering."

Biggest challenge:

"Competing on a global basis with other companies for engineering projects and finding talented engineers."

Have you always been an avid Marquette basketball fan?

"We've been season ticket holders since 1973. My wife and I both attended Marquette University and we were fortunate enough to both be involved in Marquette when Al McGuire was coach. That was a really exciting time."

The story behind the 'Jump Around' tradition:

Smith and his wife used to sit on the side of the Marquette team, but a few years ago their seating assignments were relocated so they were sitting by the students. The students' tradition of jumping during the games caused Smith to discover his own inner-jumper.

"During the course of the game when they played the "Jump Around" song the students would all jump. The jumping becomes kind of contagious and infectious. I sit by the adults and alumni, and I made a comment that there were no adults jumping. My wife pushed me to start jumping and as soon as I (did) a camera got on me. I did it again at the next game and the next thing I knew I ended up on ESPN and the local news stations. ESPN called me 'The Ron Burgundy of Milwaukee.' After that it took on a life of its own. I don't know when it's going to end, but right now it's a fun thing."

How does his wife feel about the "jumping around?"

Smith's wife, Joan, said contrary to many people's perceptions she is extremely supportive of her husband's game time ritual.

"People say on the JumboTron I look disgusted or mad, but I think it's wonderful. Of all his accomplishments, this is the one I'm most proud of."

Favorite Marquette basketball player:

"It changes through the years. I would say that Dwyane Wade is my contemporary favorite, but my all time favorite is probably Dean Meminger."