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For five decades, the Charles E. Smith Center, named for the late Charles E. Smith, nationally renowned real estate developer and D.C. community 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. Fans can look forward to commemorative game nights, alumni reunions, exclusive giveaways, and a spotlight on standout moments from the past five decades.
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.
Share Your Story
While the Smith Center has been home to unforgettable performances and athletic achievements, its true foundation is the hundreds of thousands of fans and patrons who have passed through its doors. What are your memories? Maybe it’s the friends you made here, the moment you fell in love, the place you found your voice or your inspiration—or where you laughed, cried… or both. Within these walls lives a time capsule of the people and community the Smith Center has brought together. We invite you to share your memories with us.
Support GW Athletics
The Buff & Blue Fund is the official fundraising arm of George Washington Athletics, and your support makes a direct and lasting difference. By giving to GW Athletics, you help student-athletes become leaders in competition and scholars in the classroom. Thanks to donors like you, last year our teams captured three conference championships, produced seven major award winners, two Coaches of the Year, and 58 All-Conference honorees—all while achieving a 3.4 cumulative GPA and a 94% graduation success rate. Your generosity fuels their success—in the classroom, in competition, and in service to our Foggy Bottom community.
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.
