The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center held a dedication ceremony Tuesday to officially name Smoot Drive to honor Raymond J. Smoot Jr. for his vision for and leadership of not only the research park, but the Virginia Tech Foundation and the university as a whole.

VTCRC President and CEO Joe Meredith opened the ceremony. He passed it off to Mark Musick, president of the Class of 1969, who spoke about Smoot as a young Hokie. John Dooley, Virginia Tech Foundation CEO, took the podium to reflect on time spent with Smoot. Finally, the street sign was revealed to Smoot, who gave thanks to his family and Virginia Tech.

During Smoot’s 35 years with the Virginia Tech Foundation, the university grew in size, scope, and influence. When Smoot was first hired as a part-time employee in 1977, the endowment stood at about $4 million and total assets were about $11 million. When he retired in 2012, the foundation was a solid and expansive enterprise, with an endowment of nearly $600 million and assets valued at more than $1.21 billion.

Smoot Drive is located between Innovation Drive and Research Center Drive.

Photos by Olivia Coleman

Related story: Dedication ceremony honors Ray Smoot '69

Man addresses crowd
Ray Smoot, right, thanks his family and Virginia Tech for naming a road after him.
Man at podium speaks
John Dooley, CEO of the Virginia Tech Foundation, shares memories of Ray Smoot to a crowd at the dedication ceremony.
Man speaks at podium
Mark Musick, Class of 1969 president, reflects on time spent with Ray Smoot while both were young Hokies.
Man speaks at podium
Joe Meredith, VTCRC president and CEO, opens the dedication ceremony for Smoot Drive.
Street sign in the sky
A new street sign marks the beginnings of Smoot Drive.

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