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
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.
Darden has transformed C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall into a premier space for alumni engagement, lifelong learning and executive education. Renovated in 2023, the 45,000-square-foot building features expanded program areas, collaboration spaces and offices for the Darden School Foundation and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning. Positioned at the heart of the Darden’s Goodwin Family Grounds, it fosters connection, knowledge-sharing and leadership development while strengthening ties between alumni and the School.
Alumni Lobby
The Alumni Lobby serves as the welcoming point of C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall, providing an inviting space for alumni, guests and lifelong learners. Designed to foster connection and engagement, the lobby offers a refined yet comfortable setting for networking, reflection and conversation. Its modern design and central location make it a key gathering space that reinforces the strong ties between Darden and its alumni community.
Smith Alumni Gateway
The Smith Alumni Gateway serves as a distinguished entrance to the Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens from Duffy Boulevard, nestled between C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall and The Forum Hotel. This beautifully designed passageway, home to the Hydrangea Garden, creates a seamless connection between Darden’s academic and alumni spaces and the natural beauty of the arboretum. Thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, the gateway symbolizes growth, reflection and the lifelong bond between alumni and the School.
Alumni Lounge
Gift of Gordon Crawford (MBA ’71) & Dona Crawford — Formally named the Crawford Family Alumni Lounge.
Entrance Portico
The Entrance Portico provides a grand and welcoming approach to C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall. Designed as an architectural focal point, it offers a distinguished entryway for alumni, executive education participants and visitors. With its elegant design and seamless integration into the surrounding landscape, the portico sets the tone for meaningful engagement and lifelong connection.
Lobby (2)
Positioned within C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall, these lobbies serve as central gathering spaces for alumni, faculty and guests. Designed for both casual interaction and professional networking, they provide a warm and welcoming environment. Featuring modern furnishings and flexible layouts, these spaces enhance the building’s role as a hub for lifelong learning and alumni engagement.
Partnership for Leaders in Education (PLE) Small Lobby Entrance
The PLE Small Lobby Entrance serves as a dedicated access point for the Partnership for Leaders in Education (PLE) program, a transformative initiative supporting leadership development in education. Designed to create a seamless and welcoming entry experience, this space reflects Darden’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in education leadership.
Boardroom
Gift of the Rose Family: Jimmy (MBA ’85), Megan, Caroline (MBA ’19) & Molly (MBA ’22) — Formally named the Rose Family Boardroom.
Conference Rooms (1 available, 3 reserved)
This state-of-the-art conference room is designed to facilitate important discussions, strategic meetings and collaborative learning. Outfitted with advanced technology and adaptable seating, it supports executive education programs, alumni gatherings and faculty-led discussions. A key space within C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall, it enables dynamic engagement and impactful decision-making.
Staff Offices (26 available, 4 reserved)
The Staff Offices within C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall provide dedicated workspaces for the professionals who support Darden’s alumni engagement, executive education and lifelong learning initiatives. Designed to encourage productivity and collaboration, these offices ensure that the building remains an effective hub for advancing Darden’s mission and strengthening alumni connections.
Japanese Garden
Gift of Charles G. Duffy, III (MBA’87) — The spatial organization of the Japanese Garden was informed by the Japanese expression of "shin gyo So." Each word describes a level of aesthetic formality that takes form within the garden. "Shin," or "truth," represents the most formal aesthetic, expressed in the cut stone paths and straight lines between the Torii Gate and the entrance to Smith Hall. "Gyo," or "going," refers to a semi-formal aesthetic exhibited by the elliptical lawn room and surrounding fieldstones. "So" or "grass" addresses the most informal aesthetic and takes form in the meandering paths through the existing woodland beyond.
| Space | Status | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall | ||
| Featured Spaces | ||
| Alumni Lobby | Available | $1,000,000 |
| Smith Alumni Gateway | Available | $1,000,000 |
| Arrival Points | ||
| Alumni Lounge | Reserved | $500,000 |
| Entrance Portico | Available | $500,000 |
| Lobby (2) | Available | $200,000 |
| Partnership for Leaders in Education (PLE) Small Lobby Entrance | Available | $150,000 |
| Work Spaces | ||
| Boardroom | Reserved | $500,000 |
| Conference Rooms (1 available, 3 reserved) | Available | $250,000 |
| Staff Offices (26 available, 4 reserved) | Available | $25,000 |
| Outdoor Spaces | ||
| Japanese Garden | Reserved | $500,000 |
“ 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. ”