Morehouse Medical School names $45M facility for retiring lawmaker

During a groundbreaking ceremony for a $45 million academic facility, Morehouse School of Medicine leaders announced that the building will be named after longtime board member and retiring state lawmaker Calvin Smyre. Smyre has been credited with getting private and state funding for research at the school.

An emotional Smyre said at Thursday’s ceremony, “I am overwhelmed and so appreciative that you would name a building after me. I love the Morehouse School of Medicine because of the important work that we do.”

Scheduled to be completed in early 2024, the 52,300-square-foot building will contain conference and classroom space, group workspace for students, office space, and outside relaxation space. 

Smyre, who celebrated his 75th birthday the day before the ceremony, has been on Morehouse School of Medicine’s board of trustees for 41 years. 

After 48 years in the Georgia House of Representatives, Smyre announced his retirement. Soon after, President Joe Biden nominated him to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas.