C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall
A tremendous opportunity to unlock $7.2 million in matching funds from Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63) is now available to power the renovation of the C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall. Nestled between the inn, arboretum and botanical gardens, and Darden academic buildings, the facility will be home to dramatically improved program space for Darden alumni and lifelong learning, once renovated. 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 renovation will activate the space in new and engaging ways.
A Dynamic New Home for Alumni and Visitors
Renovations to the 45,000-square-foot building — current home of the bookstore and parts of the Darden Inn — will begin in 2021 and will serve as a dynamic new home to welcome alumni and other visitors to the School. The renovated structure will feature:
- 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
The renovations will also create greater connectivity to Camp Library and the heart of Darden Grounds.
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.
“ 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. ”
| C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall |
|
|---|---|
| Featured Spaces | |
| Alumni Lobby | $1 million |
| Smith Alumni Gateway** | $1 million |
| Arrival Points | |
| Arrival Gardens, Allées and Upper Grounds Entrance** | $750,000 |
| 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** | $500,000 |
| Bricks at Key Gathering Places (200) | $5,000 each |
*All naming and naming levels subject to UVA approval
**Indicates naming opportunities a part of the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
For more information on the C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall, please contact Interim Vice President for Advancement Samantha Hartog at HartogS@darden.virginia.edu or +1-434-982-2151.
Be a part of Darden’s fulcrum moment.