GW’s Charles E. Smith Center

A magnanimous gift of $10 million—the largest single philanthropic commitment in the history of The George Washington University—from the Robert H. Smith and Charles E. Smith Family Foundations and Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod will transform the Charles E. Smith Center into the premier venue for student athletic, recreational, and academic programs.

"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 university plans to raise an additional $15 million for the renovation of the 32-year-old Charles E. Smith Center. The first $10 million of this fundraising initiative will meet the one-to-one challenge that is a condition of the Smith-Kogod families' commitment designed to encourage other alumni, parents, and friends to support this important project.

"The Charles E. 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, a GW trustee emeritus and chairman of several Charles E. Smith real estate companies. "This transformational renovation 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 Charles E. Smith Center was named for the late Charles E. Smith, a renowned real estate developer, philanthropist, community leader, and recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from GW in 1979. His son, Robert H. Smith, is married to Clarice Rae Smith, BA ’76, MFA ’79. Their son, David Bruce Smith, BA '79, has been a member of GW's Board of Trustees since 2002.  Robert P. Kogod, a longtime friend of the university, is married to Arlene R. Kogod, the daughter of Charles E. Smith.

A New Culture of Philanthropy
W. Russell Ramsey, BBA '81, chairman of GW's Board of Trustees, characterized the gift as a "shining example of our new culture of philanthropy" that will benefit faculty, students, alumni, and the community.

"I salute the Smith and Kogod families for this latest substantial investment in our university’s future," added Ramsey. "And I congratulate President Knapp who, within six months of his arrival, has now secured the largest single gift in the history of the institution. Combined with our commitment to affordability, our increased investment in research, and our overall campus plan, we are now out of the starting gate and gaining true momentum. It's a great beginning for the new administration and a tribute to one of GW's most important and beloved families."

The proposed renovation will take place, in general, 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.

The building’s interior upgrades will feature an academic center for student-athletes;  improved club entertainment and seating in the basketball arena; improved general admission seating; new locker rooms for student athletes, faculty, staff, and students; enhanced sports medicine, athletic training, and weight room facilities; and a renovated natatorium. The exterior concepts include a dynamic new main entrance along 22nd Street, which will present a revitalized box office and concession concourse, and new VIP and student entrances along F and G Streets. The project is consistent with the 2007 Foggy Bottom Campus Plan and reinforces 22nd Street as the core of the campus. The renovation project is expected to take three years, during which time the building will remain open without interruption of planned events.

"The convergence of academic, athletic, and recreational components in the transformed Charles E. Smith Center will provide a premier venue for our student-athletes that also will support their academic pursuits," noted President Knapp. "Combined with other uses, the renewed Charles E. Smith Center will enhance the overall GW experience for our entire community."

Located in the heart of the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Charles E. Smith Center houses the Department of Athletics and Recreation, which supports 22 NCAA sports teams, club sports, and recreational sports activities. Many academic programs also conduct classes and support activities in the facility, such as sports medicine, exercise science, and event management. The main arena seats 5,000 spectators and features the home games of GW men's and women's basketball. In addition, student-athletes, alumni, and members of the president's club—including faculty, staff, and Foggy Bottom residents—are able to participate in recreational and fitness activities. Also, many special events are held at the Charles E. Smith Center, such as the inauguration of President Steven Knapp in 2007. Other activities include annual graduation celebrations for several of GW's schools, as well as musical and comedic performances. Recent appearances have been made by Billy Crystal, the Boston Pops, Ray Charles, Bill Cosby, and Whoopi Goldberg.

For more information about the Smith and Kogod families gift, read the GW press release.