C. Ray Smith 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

(MBA ’58), Professor Emeritus

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.

Featured and Other Spaces
C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall
Amount
Featured Spaces
Alumni Lobby $1 million
Smith Alumni Gateway $1 million
Arrival Points
Alumni Lounge – RESERVED $500,000
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 $500,000
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 $500,000


*All naming and naming levels are subject to UVA approval

For more information, please contact Samantha Hartog, Senior Associate Vice President, Advancement, at HartogS@darden.virginia.edu or +1-434-981-4025.

Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63)

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.

Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63)
Generously donated $7.2 million as a challenge match to spur renovation of C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall

Be a part of Darden’s fulcrum moment.