Facilities: The Charles E. Smith Center
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Initiative for Charles E. Smith Center Renovation
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Gift Represents Largest Single Philanthropic Commitment in GW's History George Washington University President Steven Knapp announced on Feb. 14, 2008 the largest single donation in the institution's history -- a $10 million gift toward the renovation of the Charles E. Smith Center from the Robert H. Smith and Charles E. Smith Family Foundations and Robert and Arlene Kogod. This lead gift will be instrumental in the transformational renovation of the 32-year-old building, located in the heart of GW's Foggy Bottom Campus. The university plans to raise an additional $15 million for the renovation. The first $10 million of this goal will meet the one-toone challenge that is a condition of the SmithKogod families' commitment and is designed to encourage others to support this important project. "The Smith Center has always been a source of pride to our family because it promotes healthy minds and bodies, as well as the spirit of community, which were hallmarks of my father's life and work," said Robert H. Smith, chairman of several Charles E. Smith real estate companies. "This transformational renovation of the Charles E. Smith Center will create a signature building, in both its architecture and function, in the heart of the GW campus. It furthers my father's original vision and speaks to our commitment to GW and its future success." The proposed renovation will take place generally within the building's existing structure. The university will soon present architectural concepts to GW and community stakeholders and then coordinate reviews and approvals with the appropriate District of Columbia agencies. "I am deeply appreciative of the Smith and Kogod families for this historic gift to the university," said GW President Steven Knapp. "Their leadership sets a new standard for us and further recognizes the need for world-class facilities at a world-class university. The convergence of academic, athletic, and recreational components in the transformed Smith Center will provide a premier venue for our student-athletes that also will support their academic pursuits. Combined with other uses, the renewed Charles E. Smith Center will enhance the overall GW experience for our entire community." W. Russell Ramsey, chairman of GW's Board of Trustees, B.B.A. '81, added, "This
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