Alumni Hall
C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall
Nestled between The Forum Hotel, Tahija Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens, and Darden academic buildings, the renovated C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall provides dramatically improved program space for Darden alumni and lifelong learning.
Named in honor of one of the School’s great early leaders — Professor Emeritus C. Ray Smith (MBA ’58), who served as a mentor to thousands of students for more than 40 years — the building serves as a dynamic place to welcome alumni and other visitors to the School.
A New Home for Alumni and the Darden School Foundation
Renovations to the 45,000-square-foot building are finalized! Darden invites you to explore the many images and renderings on this page that showcase this beautiful new addition to Grounds. The renovated structure features:
- Dramatically improved program space for alumni events and lifelong learning opportunities
- Collaboration areas
- New office space for alumni engagement, the Darden School Foundation, and Executive Education and Lifelong Learning
There is a tremendous opportunity to unlock $7.2 million in matching funds from Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63).
C. Ray Smith
Few in Darden’s history have played a more central role advancing Darden than C. Ray Smith. In the 42 years he served on the faculty, he taught across disciplines; authored dozens of cases and courses; developed executive education programs; served as interim dean three times; and mentored thousands of students, faculty and staff across generations. The new C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall will create improved spaces for alumni and lifelong learning and cement C. Ray’s legacy at the School.
| C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall |
|
|---|---|
| Featured Spaces | |
| Alumni Lobby | $1 million |
| Smith Alumni Gateway | $1 million |
| Arrival Points | |
| Alumni Lounge – RESERVED | |
| Entrance Portico | $500,000 |
| Lobby (2) | $200,000 each |
| Partnership for Leaders in Education (PLE) Small Lobby Entrance | $150,000 |
| Work Spaces | |
| Large Conference Room – RESERVED | |
| Conference Rooms (4) – 3 RESERVED | $250,000 each |
| Team Learning Rooms (8) – 2 RESERVED | $50,000 each |
| Staff Offices (30) – 4 RESERVED | $25,000 each |
| Outdoor Spaces | |
| Japanese Garden - RESERVED | |
*All naming and naming levels are subject to UVA approval
For more information, please contact Samantha Hartog, Deputy Vice President for Advancement, at HartogS@darden.virginia.edu or +1-434-981-4025.
“ I am a big believer in lifelong learning and that learning is enabled by great faculty. I hope this gift will inspire others to give and hope that the School will continue to be a true force for good in the free markets and broader world. ”
Be a part of Darden’s fulcrum moment.