
SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION
January 2025 Update
Hamilton Hall – School of Engineering
The Coastal Museum Revitalization Project
Student Success Initiatives Fund
THANK YOU
Your partnership is vital to our mission of fostering innovation, advancing knowledge, and building a brighter future. Through your generosity, we are creating spaces that inspire learning, research, and collaboration.
For more information, please contact:
Emily Carter
Director of Donor Relations
123 Innovation Drive, Suite 200
Phone: 555-123-4567
Email: ecarter@institution.org
HAMILTON HALL - SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Estimated Completion: 2025
Hamilton Hall, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing data science and interdisciplinary collaboration, is on track for completion in Fall 2030. This transformative building will serve as a hub for groundbreaking research, innovation, and education, fostering progress in fields that shape the future.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND INNOVATION
Designed by Harborwood Architects and Summit Construction Group, Hamilton Hall showcases sustainable building techniques and forward-thinking design. Key features include next-generation classrooms and laboratories that support work in machine learning, scientific computing, and privacy-preserving technologies.

“Data science is driving innovation across all areas of engineering and beyond,” said Dean Alan Roberts, addressing supporters at the ceremony held on July 26, 2025. “Hamilton Hall will not only provide world-class facilities for our students and researchers but will also strengthen our community as a hub for collaboration.”
Hamilton Hall uses 80 truckloads of mass timber, a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete, to construct its six-story, 115,000-square-foot structure. As the city’s tallest mass timber building, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable architecture.
Watch a timelapse video of the construction
ADVANCES IN DATA SCIENCE AND AI IN 2030
Highlights include:
- Launch of the IDAM Initative (Innovation in Data Application and Management), including seminars led by Dr. Rachel Gupta at the ASSET Center for trustworthy AI.
- Recruitment of 10 new faculty members, with plans to expand the team further.
- Strategic planning for the department’s integration into Hamilton Hall.
- Development of enhanced computing infrastructure for AI and machine learning research.
CIS faculty continue to lead efforts in applied cryptography, human-computer interaction, and quantum computing. Associate Professor Marcus Tran, a noted expert in generative AI, provided insights on emerging technologies in numerous national media interviews.
The Master’s in Engineering Science program (ENSC) now enrolls over 250 students and continues to expand its offerings. Highlights include:
- A new partnership with the Global Engineering Institute for collaborative project development.
- Annual Project Presentation Day, where students showcase their work to faculty and peers.
- The fifth annual Women in Engineering Science (WiDS) Conference, featuring academic, industry, and student speakers, will take place in February 2030.
The foundational course, CIS 5555: Advanced Databases, remains one of the most in-demand courses, enrolling over 600 students annually. Online programs like the Master’s in Data Science continue to attract experienced professionals making career transitions while balancing work and family commitments.
THE COASTAL MUSEUM REVITALIZATION PROJECT
Financial Summary (FY24)
Total Gift Amount: $500,000
Remaining Balance: $225,000
CATEGORY | EXPENSE |
EQUIPMENT/ TECHNOLOGY The revitalization project includes state-of-the-art interactive displays, digital storytelling elements, and immersive audiovisual installations to enhance visitor engagement. | $150,000 |
TRAVEL STUDIES Supports research and field studies for curators and museum staff, including site visits to historical locations and collaboration with other institutions to enhance exhibit authenticity. | $75,000 |
LECTURE SERIES Funds expert-led lectures, panel discussions, and public events aimed at enriching community engagement and educational outreach. Up to six guest speakers will be hosted annually. | $50,000 |
NEW INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT
Recent improvements include:
- Installation of interactive display technology in five exhibit halls.
- Introduction of a semester-long global studies program with a two-week international field component.
- Hosting a series of visiting lectures featuring renowned experts in environmental preservation.

Thanks to the generous donations we've received, we were able to launch this initiative and make a meaningful impact in our community. The support has not only allowed us to implement new programs but has also empowered us to reach individuals who need it most.
Professor Eleanor Matthews, Department of Social Impact
STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVES FUND
Nutrition and Wellness
Led by the Head Nutritionist, Dr. Lila Perez, the wellness program has expanded to serve over 200 students each semester, providing tailored consultations and cutting-edge tools like the BodyVue Analyzer for measuring muscle and fitness levels.
Concussion Research and Care
The Holistic Student Health Center is central to concussion research and care, hosting studies like:
- The Horizon League Concussion Study, led by Dr. Simon Keller, which analyzes recovery patterns and improves diagnostic tools.
- Minds in Motion, a collaboration with Metro Health Partners, focusing on innovative eye-tracking technology to monitor post-concussion recovery.
These programs ensure the well-being of students and provide critical insights for advancing safety and health in education.
THANK YOU
Through your generosity, we are creating spaces that inspire learning, research, and collaboration. Your support enables us to invest in cutting-edge technology, attract world-class talent, and provide transformative opportunities for students and faculty alike.
Together, we are shaping a community where bold ideas thrive and meaningful impact becomes reality. From groundbreaking research to life-changing educational experiences, your contributions help drive progress across every corner of our institution.
We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment, and we look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
For more information, please contact:
Emily Carter
Director of Donor Relations
123 Innovation Drive, Suite 200
Phone: 555-123-4567
Email: ecarter@institution.org