A McIntire alumnus and his wife have made another financial commitment to the University, this time bolstering future Commerce students, athletics scholarships, and their UVA peers who need additional financial support to take full advantage of life on Grounds.
Tim Smith and his wife, Jennifer, have pledged $5.5 million, the latest gift in the couple’s lengthy history of philanthropy for UVA. The Smiths’ gift will support three key areas:
- $1 million for scholarships at the McIntire School, home of the nation’s leading business education programs
- $4 million for athletics to support scholarships in baseball and five women’s sports, as well as a current-use gift for operating support for baseball. The scholarships advance an initiative by the Virginia Athletics Foundation to increase funding for women’s athletics
- $500,000 to the Cavalier Fund, an effort to ensure students from families of modest means can afford to, among other things, join clubs, travel to academic conferences, and pursue leadership opportunities
A Timely Gift for the Commerce School
At McIntire, the Smiths’ support comes at a pivotal moment, following the grand opening of brand new Shumway Hall and the renovation of historic Cobb Hall—milestones that mark a transformative new chapter for the School. In addition to the exciting development of McIntire’s larger footprint across newly formed Breeden Commerce Grounds, this year also marks the first time in its 104-year history that the School will offer a three-year course of undergraduate study; launching the expanded B.S. in Commerce Program in fall 2025 in tandem with the COMMence program, McIntire welcomes its inaugural class of second-year students.
The Smiths’ decision to fund more McIntire scholarships will fuel expanded access to the School’s premier business education for high-achieving students, providing them opportunities to thrive in the field of commerce and become leaders in the world of global business.
Their recent gift is another shining example of the couple’s longstanding history of loyal giving to the Commerce School and its priorities. Throughout the years, they have been staunch supporters of McIntire’s Annual Fund, a critical resource that offers flexible resources for constant innovation, attracting top faculty, high-quality career and technology services, and creating meaningful student experiences that complement the high caliber of classroom learning.
Before their $1 million gift commitment for Commerce student scholarships, the Smiths had previously established a McIntire scholarship in honor of Tim’s father, Thomas Smith.
Athletic Scholarships
Several of the new athletics scholarships will also be named in honor of Smith family members: Tim and Jennifer’s three children, Tyler, Thomas, and Madison, as well as Tim’s aunt, Mary Lou Crocker, a standout former professional golfer. These commitments reflect the family’s personal connection to the University and passion for sports.
“With the changing environment in college athletics, our goal is to provide long-term support to help UVA’s students succeed in every arena—on the field, in the classroom, and in life,” the couple said in a statement. “While we are proud to support students across the UVA landscape, it is especially meaningful for us to support women’s sports and help create pathways for talented students in their academic pursuits.”
As part of their dedication to supporting excellence in both academics and athletics, the Smiths have previously endowed scholarships in women’s basketball in addition to their McIntire scholarships. This latest gift also supports a growing emphasis at the Virginia Athletics Foundation on building permanent endowments for scholarships and operations. As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to evolve, long-term funding strategies like these are essential.
Cavalier Fund
The Cavalier Fund, launched as a pilot program in 2022, is on its way to attaining its goal of a $30 million endowment. The program provides $1,000 annual grants to eligible students per academic year in order for them to participate in all facets of student life.
Made possible by the contributions of UVA alumni and friends, Cavalier Fund grants allow students to apply the funds to associated costs for membership in student organizations; travel to lectures, arts and cultural experiences, or other enrichment activities; registration for competitions; Madison House-sponsored events; other service-related organization activities; co-curricular programming; University-sponsored professional and pre-professional conferences; research-related experiences; and much more.
“The Smiths’ extraordinary generosity reflects a deep belief in the power of education and athletics to transform lives,” said UVA President Jim Ryan. “Their support over the last 35 years has touched many corners of the University, and this latest gift will create meaningful opportunities for future generations of students.”
