Clarice Smith Center Mourns the Loss of Philanthropist Jack Kay

Jack Kay has been called a visionary for a number of reasons. He led the successful real estate management firm, Kay Management and developed thousands of homes in suburban Maryland communities like Kemp Mill Village after World War II. But perhaps his greatest pioneering work was done as a philanthropist, particularly in the performing arts.

A 1947 University of Maryland graduate, Kay became a business and community leader in the Washington area and served on the board of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation. He has been honored for his philanthropic and leadership support, particularly at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, home to the Ina & Jack Kay Theatre, a state-of-the-art performance venue used by UMD students and community members for concerts, theatre productions and operas.  

“Jack Kay understood the potential of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center to enhance the reputation of the University of Maryland and made early and generous gifts to assure our future,” said Susie Farr, Executive Director of the Center. “His leadership from our early years until now provided meaningful opportunities to students, faculty, and members of our local communities.”

The Clarice Smith Center community will mourn the loss of Kay, and will celebrate his life as a generous philanthropist and visionary community leader.