Triple alumnus supports Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building
On the cusp of his second year at Case Institute of Technology, a nervous Bob Smialek visited the financial aid office. The sudden loss of his father left the family uncertain of their financial future, including their ability to cover Smialek’s tuition.
He was instructed to come back one week later and when he returned, staff members gave him the good news: He was granted a full-tuition scholarship for the remainder of his undergraduate degree, studying metallurgy and material science.
“That was the beginning of my soft spot for Case,” Smialek said (CIT ’65; GRS ’67, ’70, metallurgy and material science). He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and PhD in the ensuing years, and immediately began giving back to his alma mater upon graduation.
Smialek has supported a variety of initiatives at Case Western Reserve University ever since, including renovation of the White Building, where he spent most of his time as a student. His latest gift, however, is less of a reflection on his own history with the university but rather looks to its future—and that of students like his grandson, Pierre-Andre Geoffrion, who will matriculate at CWRU in the fall.
Throughout his first two years on campus, Geoffrion—who plans to major in computer engineering—will witness his grandfather’s generosity come to life, as the new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB) is built on Case Quad.
Smialek decided to support the project, which will encourage a multidisciplinary approach to research by bringing together students and faculty members of the university’s Case School of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences.
“When you bring people together from different disciplines, the possibilities are unlimited,” the alumnus said.
The gift also reflects Smialek’s gratitude for the holistic education he received, as well as the experiences of his younger brother and two of Smialek’s three children, all of whom are alumni.
“I developed deep, lifelong friendships at Case, and my education there was the basis for my whole career,” said Smialek, whose 44-year career spanned a variety of fields and businesses, from General Electric to Applied Innovation. “I feel I owe so much to Case, and I’m happy to give back in some way.”