Originally, Al intended to keep this a secret from Jule until the groundbreaking, but I'm glad he decided to let Jule in on it. The university community is very grateful to Al and Jule for their tremendous generosity in making the museum of fine arts a reality. Mrs. Smith, a native of Opelika, says that she was glad that she was sitting down when her husband decided to tell her about her anniversary gift. I know that I will do everything I can to help make this a beautiful reality. An art museum is something that Auburn really needs.
Plans are also for an outdoor sculpture garden.
Most recently, the University received one of America's largest John James Audubon print collections from the estate of Louise Hauss Miller. Atlanta art collectors Noel and Kathy Wadsworth have donated several works, including an early Ben Shahn painting, an inkwash drawing by Reginald Marsh, a gouache by Edmund Lewandowski, and a painting by the French impressionist Edmond Marie Petitjen. The Smiths are active philanthropists on Auburn's campus, as well as in the Houston area. Through the Julia and Albert Smith Foundation, the Smith's support four scholarships and one fellowship apiece for Auburn's Colleges of Education and Engineering. Their foundation also supports education, medical research, religious and social issues, and the arts in the Houston area.