Safety Champion Award Recipients

Lafe Smith (2025)

It is with great pride that the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Committee presents Lafe Smith with the Safety Champion of the Year Award. Lafe has consistently shown that safety is not simply a requirement but a core value that guides his actions. His expertise, character, and unwavering commitment to protecting others set him apart as a true champion of safety.

Lafe's contributions extend well beyond compliance. He has been instrumental in assisting hundreds of drivers with practical exams to support DOT compliance and has conducted OSHA-required fall-protection inspections to ensure safe practices at heights. His proactive safety advocacy includes addressing silica exposure, missing railings, and implementing heat stress protections, demonstrating both vigilance and initiative.

As a past Physical Facilities Safety Committee member, Lafe's leadership has helped shape policy and foster a culture of safety across campus. He is widely recognized as a knowledgeable and dependable resource, offering quick and practical solutions to safety challenges. His expertise in scaffolding and elevated platform safety has set a high standard and improved work practices across teams.

Lafe also dedicates time to mentoring colleagues, providing clear, practical instruction that instills both technical competence and a strong safety mindset. Through his service, he models integrity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, always with safety as the priority.

In addition to these efforts, Lafe played an instrumental role in leading the charge against the bat infestation in the engineering building. His calm leadership and problem-solving approach were crucial in ensuring the safety of the space and the success of the project. In recognition of this, we even decorated the room with bats, because to us, Lafe is the true "Batman," a symbol of courage, resourcefulness, and protection.

By blending technical expertise, leadership, and genuine care for others, Lafe has elevated his colleagues, strengthened workplace culture, and safeguarded employees and facilities. His years of service, mentorship, and innovation reflect the highest standards of safety leadership, making him a deserving recipient of the Safety Champion of the Year Award.

David Boekweg (2024)

The first recipient of this distinguished award is David Boekweg, a respected and longtime member of BYU’s Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Committee. On May 19, 2025, Matt Giles—joined by members of the committee—formally presented the award to David in recognition of his lasting contributions.

David Boekweg has been instrumental in advancing a proactive safety culture at BYU. Through close collaboration with our operations teams, he has helped identify potential hazards and implement practical, preventative measures. Known for his thoughtful and approachable leadership, David consistently encourages safe practices, celebrates positive behaviors, and inspires those around him to prioritize safety in their daily work.

As highlighted in his nomination, “David’s impact extends beyond merely identifying risks—his ability to motivate and inspire those around him fosters a proactive safety culture. His kind, friendly, and caring nature encourages individuals to take ownership of their safety practices, resulting in a safer, more engaged community. The remarkable safety environment we experience today is largely due to David’s dedication and leadership over the years.”