In 1982, Jim Howland initiated and supported a project to capture the memoirs of Jewell “Bud” Smith, the first employee and first black man (African American), and the founding partners. The information was gathered through oral interviews over a couple of days for each. Following are edited summaries of the interviews that focus on the key events and issues that have impacted the history of CH2M HILL as recalled by each. The editors are leaving it to you to speculate why Jim wanted us to know about Bud and his time with the firm.