Smith Hall Honored with Silver Hammer Award

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce presented Holy Cross with a Silver Hammer Award for Carol and Park B. Smith Hall on Friday, Dec. 12, at their annual business meeting.

Silver Hammer Awards “recognize projects that have had visual, aesthetic, or economic impacts on the region.”

Smith Hall, a $19 million building occupying geographic center of campus, was completed in 2001. Covering 56,000 square feet, the building was made possible by a $10 million gift from Park B. Smith, a 1954 graduate of Holy Cross, and his wife, Carol.

Smith Hall houses the Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture, as well as the philosophy and religious studies departments, the Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies, information technology services, and academic student services such as the registrar’s office.

Occupying the primary space in Smith Hall is the two-story Rehm Library. Made possible by a $2 million gift from Jack D. Rehm, also a 1954 graduate of Holy Cross, and his wife, Cynthia, the Rehm Library provides space for hospitality, Center-sponsored lectures and events, quiet space for reading and reflection, and enhanced library resources on religion and spirituality. The shelves of the Rehm Library house primary texts of an array of religious traditions.