Two Generous Alumni Gifts Received to Support Smith Strategic Plan

Two Robert H. Smith School of Business alumni are giving back in support of the Smith School strategic plan to reimagine learning. 

Bill Boyle ’81 and Ab Krall ’81, along with his wife Kristen Krall, were recognized and celebrated for their gifts at the Smith Advisory Board meeting on April 5. 

The naming gifts are for two new classrooms being built in Van Munching Hall. Boyle made a $1 million contribution towards the construction of a new virtual teaching studio. In a letter to the Smith community, Dean Prabhudev Konana called the gift “game-changing” as it will allow the school to use unique technology in a one-of-a-kind studio on the UMD campus. The space will significantly enhance the learning experience in the working professional MBA programs and executive education. “We cannot express enough gratitude for Bill’s leadership and unwavering commitment to our institution, as well as his service and friendship to the school,” Konana said. Boyle was previously the chair of the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship and will be the commencement speaker for the Spring 2024 undergraduate ceremony.

Ab and Kristen Krall also gave a significant gift of $750,000 towards the construction of an active learning classroom (VMH 1407). Konana said the generous gift enables the school to create a state-of-the-art classroom that fosters innovation, collaboration and engagement. “We are deeply grateful to the Kralls for their commitment to our mission and their support of our students’ success,” Konana said. Krall, who is an executive in residence, has been co-teaching a strategy course this semester with Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning Nicole Coomber. Konana added that Krall’s teaching experience helped inspire this gift. “Hopefully Ab will teach in this room at some point in the near future!” Konana said. 

As part of the Smith School Strategic Plan, the school plans to modernize the educational spaces within Van Munching Hall with a focus on community and flexibility for the future. Construction is in progress and nearing completion on these classrooms and work is also under way on two additional active learning classrooms. For questions or interest in supporting current or additional facility projects, contact John Aronowitz, CDO, johnaron@umd.edu.