Robert H. Smith

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Robert H. Smith (b. 19??) is a successful builder-developer. Smith is chairman of Charles E. Smith Co. Commercial Realty, a division of Vornado Realty Trust, and chairman of Charles E. Smith Co. Residential, a division of Archstone-Smith, both REITs listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Smith is best known for spearheading the development of the Crystal City complex in northern Virginia.

Smith has given generously to the University of Maryland, College Park, his alma mater. The Robert H. Smith School of Business was named in his honor in 1998 to recognize his gift of $15 million, the largest gift the school had ever received. He has continuously supported its programs, subsequently making additional generous gifts as the school has expanded and risen in prestige. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, completed in 2001, is named for his wife.

Interestingly, the Kogod School of Business at the American University in Washington, DC, is named after Robert P. Kogod, brother-in-law of Robert H. Smith.

Smith has also served as president and trustee of the National Gallery of Art and chairman of the Board of Governors of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.