Grove City College to rename Rockwell Hall of Science
Grove City College’s Rockwell Hall of Science will soon be renamed, the college announced Monday, Nov. 6.
The campus landmark will be rededicated as the Smith Hall of Science and Technology in 2025 in honor of alumnus and tech entrepreneur William W. Smith Jr., class of 1969, and his wife, Dieva Smith, in recognition of their support of the college.
Renovations are underway to the building, which is more than 90 years old. The Smiths are among the leading donors to the $48 million project, the college said.
“Bill’s and Dieva’s extraordinary generosity should inspire everyone whose lives were impacted by Grove City College to give back to this great institution,” Edward D. Breen, chair of the college’s board of trustees, said. “Their support for this historic project will make it possible to equip countless students in the years to come to serve others with the highest proficiency and purpose.”
William Smith is an entrepreneur and corporate leader who earned a degree in business administration from the college in 1969.
He founded Smith Micro Software in 1982, a software provider to wireless carriers and cable companies.
Smith credits Grove City College for providing the foundation for his success and is a passionate supporter of the private Christian liberal arts college.
“I didn’t know when I was in Grove City that I was going to be founding a tech company, or become the chairman and CEO, but the college gave me the skills and the moral compass that was required,” Smith said. “You work a lifetime, and if things work out, you have the opportunity to make a gift like this. It is part of giving back. It is part of saying thank you because this is where I got my start.”
The Rockwell renovation will aim to preserve the building’s classic exterior while changing almost every interior space, from lower-level laboratories to third-floor classrooms and offices to meet the needs of today’s students and technologies.
