Lisa Smith '85
Lisa Smith has remained closely connected to the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences since her time as a student. A 1985 graduate, she later served nearly a decade on the College Foundation Board, including a term as chair. Through this leadership, she developed a deep understanding of the College's priorities and long-term needs. That perspective helped inform her decision to become the first donor to support the Campaign for Graduate Excellence with a fully endowed fellowship.
“Every Dean, for as long as I can remember, has talked about the importance of graduate education to the standing of UVA,” Lisa says. “For attracting and retaining the best professors and for providing a rich undergraduate experience. When Christa made it her number one priority, I knew I wanted to support her."
"I’ve always felt that my philanthropic investment will be best leveraged when I’m supporting a priority of leadership.”
- Lisa Smith '85
Lisa’s fellowship provides direct support to graduate students while advancing a campaign focused on strengthening the academic core of the College. By making an early, fully endowed commitment, she helped establish momentum for the Graduate Excellence Campaign and underscored the role graduate education plays in supporting faculty excellence and student learning across the College.
Her support of graduate education reflects a thoughtful and deliberate approach to giving. One grounded in leadership priorities and sustained by a long-standing relationship with Arts & Sciences and the University. We are deeply grateful for Lisa’s leadership, generosity, and enduring commitment to graduate education at UVA.