Smith Business Magazine: Special Silver Jubilee Edition - Magazine - Page 29
Forme
r Dea
n How
ard
Photos by John Consoli and Mike Morgan
ce Smith
“Everything we do is to
be the best we can be,” said
Dean Prabhudev Konana,
who took the helm in 2021.
“It’s individuals like Mr.
Smith who are transforming
universities today with
profound gifts—not just to
put their name on something,
but to create new knowledge,
to transform students, to
create more visionary leaders
like themselves. That’s
going to continue to propel
this country to greatness.”
by David Bru
Like everything he was
involved with, he wanted
the highest quality possible.
Nothing but the best would do,
but not for arrogance.
Mr. Smith was convinced
that, with wise investments,
his funds could make the world
a better place. He challenged
all institutions he partnered
with to push for excellence.
That pursuit of greatness
drives the Robert H. Smith
School of Business today
and will continue far into
the future.
and B
ob Sm
ith
David Bru
ce Smith
When Dad passed in 2009, many of his wished-for goals
had been achieved—but with more dreams on the way.
Even so, with all that has happened since, I’m sure my
father is—somewhere in the universe—proud and smiling.
—David Bruce Smith
rhsmith-editor@umd.edu
fall 2023
/ SMITH BUSINESS: SILVER JUBILEE EDITION
/
27
Photo provid
ed
The great real estate
developer made possible a
number of strategic initiatives
with investments in the school’s
faculty, students, facilities
and programs.
His involvement went
beyond writing checks to a
true interest in the details—
particularly those to enhance
student experiences. He was
keenly interested in the interior
昀椀nishes of Van Munching Hall,
the kinds of trees in front of the
building on Mayer Mall, and the
speci昀椀cs of the coursework.
Frank
