The University serves Virginia, the nation, and the world by preparing responsible citizen-leaders; advancing, preserving, and disseminating knowledge; and providing world-class patient care.
All gifts of any kind help secure the University’s place as a premier institution of learning and make it possible for our students, faculty, and researchers to shape a brighter future.
You can give to all 12 schools across Grounds. The possibilities are endless for supporting our students, faculty, and programs. Together, we will find the way forward.
You can join the growing number of alumni and friends who invest now in the University’s future by including UVA as a beneficiary of their wills, charitable trusts, and retirement plans. Gifts like these can offer you and your family significant tax benefits as well as greater financial flexibility in meeting your personal and philanthropic goals.
The Honor the Future campaign, the largest in University history, concluded in 2025, thanks to thousands of loyal supporters. Its impact on students, faculty, facilities, and research reaches across Charlottesville, Wise County, and Northern Virginia as it continues to advance the school in its third century of service to the commonwealth, nation, and world.
Hunter Smith and her late husband, Carl (Col ’51), have been longtime benefactors of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. The Smiths have supported key initiatives and organizations, such as the Carl W. Smith Stadium, the Lila Vicars Smith House, the Hunter J. Smith Dining Commons, and the Marching Highland Cavaliers.
The Hunter Smith Family Foundation made yet another transformational gift to UVA-Wise, contributing $10 million to establish the Carl W. Smith Bicentennial Scholars Fund. The gift, which is the largest in the school’s history, was matched through the University’s Bicentennial Scholars Fund, bringing the total to $20 million. More than 100 qualified students a year will have access to a college education, thanks to the Carl W. Smith Bicentennial Scholars Fund. The gift also established the Carl W. Smith Bicentennial Scholar-Athlete Program.
“Mr. and Mrs. Smith and the Hunter Smith Family Foundation have always been exceptionally kind to UVA-Wise,” said UVA-Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry. “The Carl W. Smith Bicentennial Scholarships could be the deciding factor for many students who worry that a college education is out of their financial reach. We are deeply grateful for this gift.”
The Smith family was also instrumental in founding the Cavalier Marching Band at UVA in Charlottesville. Their 2003 gift of $1.5 million helped kick-start the ensemble.
