New Active-Learning Classrooms Named For Alumni

Members of the Smith School Board of Advisors joined Dean Prabhudev Konana Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, for a celebration of two newly named active-learning classrooms in Van Munching Hall. The classrooms include a one-of-a-kind virtual teaching studio, named for Bill Boyle ’81 and a new active-learning classroom, named for Ab Krall ’81 and his wife Kristen Krall.

“Together these contributions reinforce our mission to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need in today’s world,” said Dean Konana, calling the gifts “significant.”

In a video message to the board, University of Maryland Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice thanked Boyle and the Krall’s, for “their generous and always enthusiastic support for the University of Maryland, and in particular for our students.”

She also thanked Dean Konana for his leadership and added that the new facilities “provide tremendous benefit for Smith School students and also for our entire campus community.”

In the spring, Boyle made a $1 million contribution towards the new virtual teaching studio, which has been in use since the fall 2024 semester began. As the undergraduate commencement speaker in May 2024, Boyle shared his personal journey, contextualizing the evolution of technology through his experience as a business school undergraduate student and later his role in co-founding and operating FiberGate Inc., a Washington, D.C., area provider of dark fiber services, which he sold in 2012.

“We are thrilled to introduce our virtual studio that transforms how we teach and connect with students. This new facility is part of our strategic plan to reimagine learning for the future,” said Dean Konana. “As our working professional students increasingly prefer online learning, we need sophisticated platforms like the virtual studio to deliver an in-person experience. This new virtual studio positions us for success, enabling us to transform education and meet the needs of a dynamic, fast-evolving market of busy professionals.”

Ab and Kristen Krall also gave a significant gift of $750,000 towards the construction of the active-learning classroom. Krall, who is also an executive in residence, was in attendance and praised Dean Konana’s leadership along with the inspiring faculty and students. He said he wanted to do something that showcased his passion for experiential learning and hopes the new classroom “will make a big difference.”

The state-of-the-art classroom fosters innovation and engagement. Konana added that the active learning spaces are a symbol of collaboration, innovation and community.

As part of the Smith School Strategic Plan, the school plans to modernize the educational spaces within Van Munching Hall with a focus on community and flexibility for the future.