<p>Wearing a pair of crocheted gloves, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shared memories of an old friend and UF alumnus Thursday at a classroom-dedication ceremony. </p>
<p>The Supreme Court's lone female justice traveled to Gainesville to honor Chesterfield Smith, who graduated from UF's law school in 1948 and eventually became president of the American Bar Association. Smith died in 2003. </p>
<p>The Levin College of Law dedicated a new classroom, which Ginsburg helped fund, to Smith in honor of his accomplishments as a lawyer. Smith founded the Holland & Knight law firm, which is now one of the largest in the country. </p>
<p>In a private speech before about 150 people, Ginsburg praised Smith as the most "altogether irresistible lawyer I have ever known." </p>
<p>Ginsburg and Smith first met during an ABA trip to China in the 1970s. From then on, she said, he served as her mentor and eventually testified at her Supreme Court confirmation hearing. </p>
<p>"He was never satisfied with the status quo if there was room for improvement," she said. </p>
<p>Ginsburg spoke inside the new Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, which boasts wood paneling and flat-screen televisions in its lobby. </p>
<p>Most of the people attending the event had donated money toward the room, which cost about $500,000 to build in Smith's name. </p>
<p>"May the classes and events that take place in this room prove a fitting tribute to Chesterfield's work and days," Ginsburg said. "My affection for him was unbounded." </p>
<p>Martha Barnett, another former ABA president who spoke at the event, said Smith frequently referred to his friends as his "boys and babes." </p>
<p>"Chesterfield counted Justice Ginsburg as one of his babes," Barnett told the crowd, "and I think she liked it, too." </p>
<p>The back of the classroom was adorned with photographs and other memorabilia from Smith's life. Audience members donned buttons bearing an image of Smith's smiling face and two of his favorite catchphrases. </p>
<p>"Be somebody! Do good!" the buttons read. </p>
<p>UF dignitaries at the ceremony included Provost Janie Fouke and President Bernie Machen. </p>
<p>By dedicating the classroom to Smith, Machen said, UF could place "one more piece into the foundation we are building for the Gator Nation." </p>
<p>"He is a great example that comes to my mind when I think of the power that is the Gator Nation," Machen said. "This is a place where he belongs." </p>