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During the past six decades, the Charles E. Smith Center, named for Charles E. Smith, former GW trustee and nationally renowned real estate developer and civic leader, has been the heart of GW athletics and a hub for unforgettable moments in Foggy Bottom. From buzzer-beating basketball games to high-energy volleyball matches and global speakers, the Smith Center has brought generations of fans, students, and alumni together under one roof. Now, it's time to celebrate the legacy—and the future—of this iconic venue.
Throughout the 2025 season, GW will host a series of special events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Smith Center.
Smith Center 50th Anniversary is sponsored by Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Back in Time
The Charles E. Smith Center is more than just a home for basketball—it's a cornerstone of GW history. While our basketball teams have thrilled fans here for decades, the venue has also been home to gymnastics, swimming & diving, volleyball, and water polo. Beyond athletics, it has welcomed world leaders, renowned entertainers, and influential voices in education and public service, making it a true hub of campus and community life.
The Charles E. Smith Center
The Charles E. Smith Center was dedicated on December 6, 1975, replacing the “Tin Tabernacle” gymnasium. The building is named for Charles E. Smith, nationally renowned real estate developer and leader in the Washington, D.C., community. Charles E. Smith received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from GW in 1979. He served as a GW trustee from 1967 to 1976 and was chairman of the committee on university development. His son, the late Robert H. Smith, served on the Board of Trustees from 1976 to 1997. David Bruce Smith, B.A. ’79, second from the left in the above picture, son of Robert H. and grandson of Charles E. Smith, is also a former member of GW’s Board of Trustees.
In 2008, GW announced what was at the time the largest single donation in the institution’s history— from the Robert H. Smith and Charles E. Smith Family Foundations, and from Robert and Arlene Kogod — for the renovation of the Smith Center.
“The Charles E. Smith Center has always been a source of pride to our family because it promotes healthy minds and bodies, as well as the spirit of community, which were hallmarks of my father’s life and work,” said Robert H. Smith at the time of the gift.
50 Years of Women's Basketball
For 50 years, George Washington women’s basketball has been a powerhouse of achievement and pride. Legendary Head Coach Joe McKeown built a winning legacy, while stars like Jessica Adair and Kim Beck reached the professional ranks. Among the most celebrated alumnae is 2025 Commencement Speaker Dr. Jonquel Jones—an NCAA standout at GW who made history as the only player to earn WNBA Sixth Woman, MVP, and Finals MVP honors. Rooted in both the DMV and the global stage, the team reflects the spirit of the Smith Center: where excellence begins and greatness continues.
Fifty Years: Volleyball
The Smith Center has hosted some of GW volleyball’s greatest moments—none bigger than the career of Svetlana Vtyurina. Considered one of the most dominant players in NCAA women’s volleyball, she still holds records for career kills and kills in a single match. An international student turned All-American, Vtyurina led GW to a 118-28 record and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations at the Smith Center.
50 Years of Women's
Rowing
While GW women’s rowing calls the Potomac River home, the course to multiple Atlantic 10 Championships was chartered in the auxiliary gyms in the Smith Center, where future Olympians and Hall of Famers also sweated through endless workouts on rowing machines.
