Cal U. renames residence building
G. Ralph Smith II left an indelible mark on California University of Pennsylvania, as an English professor for 30 years then for his bequest of $1.95 million.
During a ceremony Friday, the university reciprocated by renaming one of its six main-campus residence halls after him. Residence Hall A, for members of the University Honors Program, will be known as G. Ralph Smith II Honors Hall.
Smith, who died in 2010, bequeathed most of his life savings to Cal U. to endow student scholarships. The first G. Ralph Smith II General Scholarship, based on merit and financial need, is expected to be awarded during the 2013-14 academic year.
“By christening this residence hall with Professor Smith’s name, we ensure that his life, his work and his legacy will not be forgotten,” Geraldine M. Jones, interim president at Cal U., said during the ceremony.