Silver Jubilee Grand Gala Shines Light on Smith’s Transformative Gift
More than 300 alumni and friends gathered for the Smith School Silver Jubilee Grand Gala on Friday, Oct. 27, to celebrate the legacy of Robert H. Smith ’50, whose investment 25 years ago changed the school’s name and its course. Reflecting on the impact of the transformative gift, Dean Prabhudev Konana spoke about Mr. Smith’s legacy, “his foresight, his big ideas and his laser focus on excellence.”
Becoming Smith
Robert H. Smith ’50 was in his office in Crystal City, Va. when he got that first call from the dean of the University of Maryland’s business school, 40 years after he graduated.
Smith School Celebrates 25th Year of Naming with Silver Jubilee
2023 will mark the 25th anniversary of the official naming of the Robert H. Smith School of Business. During this landmark year, the school will celebrate the life and legacy of Robert H. Smith and reflect on the impact of his philanthropic investment in the school.
Robert H. Smith School of Business to Share in University of Maryland Gifts Totaling $60 Million
The University of Maryland announced gifts totaling $60 million, including $30 million from real estate developer Robert H. Smith, an alumnus and benefactor of the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Smiths gift will support students, faculty and academic programs in the Smith School, as well as support the university's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Smith Community Mourns Loss of Benefactor Robert H. Smith
It is with great sadness that I inform you that Robert H. Smith passed away on Tuesday, December 29, following a stroke. My deepest sympathy to Mr. Smith’s family and all that knew him. I had the privilege of getting to know him over the past years, and I have not met a more impressive yet humble and caring man. He is not just our school’s namesake, but also a guiding force. He will be forever remembered and celebrated at the University of Maryland and undoubtedly by the countless other institutions that benefited from his kindness.
President Bush Recognizes Robert H. Smith For Philanthropy Supporting Humanities
College Park, Md. – November 18, 2008 – President George W. Bush awarded Robert H. Smith, a key benefactor and namesake of the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, with the prestigious National Humanities Medal for 2008 for his philanthropic contributions to the humanities. Smith received his award during a ceremony yesterday at the White House East Room.
Robert H. Smith Speaks at Commencement
In an emotional ceremony at the Comcast Center, 700 undergraduates, 350 MBA students and 2 doctoral students received their Smith School degrees on May 23, 2008.