A. O. Smith Foundation Gift Strengthens Student Success and Global Learning

Woman with shoulder-length strawberry blonde hair in a blue suit jacket cutting a large ribbon with two men in business suits looking on.
From left, A. O. Smith Foundation Manager Rita Schwalbach, Dean Chari, and David Lubar, President and CEO, Lubar & Co.

Students preparing for interviews in the Lubar College of Business Career Center will now do so in the newly named A. O. Smith Corporation Interview Suite, honoring the philanthropic support of the A. O. Smith Foundation.

The Foundation recently made a generous $100,000 gift to the Lubar College, reinforcing its commitment to student success and career readiness. In recognition of the gift, College leaders, students, faculty, staff, and a representative from A. O. Smith gathered this spring for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the newly named space.

The gift will have a direct impact on students in two important areas. Seventy-five thousand dollars will strengthen the Lubar Mentorship Program, which connects students with experienced business professionals who provide guidance, career insights, and valuable networking opportunities. The remaining $25,000 will support the A. O. Smith International Initiatives Fund, helping expand opportunities for students and faculty to engage in global learning experiences.

“This space represents more than a name,” said Dean Kaushal Chari during the ceremony. “It reflects our shared commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers.” Through mentorship, professional development, and international experiences, the gift will help students build the confidence, perspective, and connections needed to thrive in today’s increasingly global business environment.