Susan Naylor Gifts The Alamo $2.5 Million

Local philanthropist and Remember the Alamo Foundation board member Susan Naylor has donated $2.5 million to build the Will Naylor Smith Outdoor Classroom, named in memory of her son, at the future Texas Cavaliers Education Center, scheduled to open this spring.

This dedicated outdoor space for school children will provide a tranquil spot on Alamo grounds for classes to learn from Alamo experts, enjoy lunch, and reflect on what they've learned on their Alamo field trip. It will feature built-in stairs for seating and the lush greenery that is the hallmark of the Alamo Gardens.

"Susan Naylor is a passionate advocate for young minds," said Alamo Trust, Inc., President and CEO Hope Andrade. "The Alamo is grateful for her vision of an outdoor learning space that allows children to immerse themselves in the past while exploring the possibilities of the future."

Naylor is the founder and president of The Will Smith Charitable Foundation, which honors the legacy and generosity of her son, Will Naylor Smith. Although only eight years old when he died, Will Smith is known to children across San Antonio because of his mother's passionate call to continue his legacy of compassion and generosity.

A quotation inspired by Naylor's travels will be etched along the Outdoor Classroom: "A time past, breathed into life. It is a moment reflected for someone. It is the love, hope, humor of a people. It is the survival of that people. It is the people."

"My unwavering hope is that when students read these words, they are inspired by the power of community," Naylor said. "As the 189 Alamo Defenders taught us, it is only when we stand together as a community that we build a better future for us all."

Currently, more than 155,000 school-aged children visit the Alamo each year. When the Texas Cavaliers Education Center opens its doors, the Alamo anticipates the number to climb to 250,000 school-aged children. The state-of-the-art facility will feature safe school bus access, a STEAM Lab, a Distance Learning Lab, and a vibrant agricultural garden.

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Alamo Trust, Inc. (ATI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that oversees the daily operations at the Alamo and the implementation of the Alamo Plan. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as the Shrine of Texas Liberty. More than 1.6 million visitors travel to the site each year, making it the #1 most visited destination in the State of Texas. The 300-year history of the Alamo is world-renowned and represents the core of Texas’ identity today. In 1960, the Alamo was designated a United States National Historic Landmark, and in 2015, it became part of the Lone Star State's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness living history, experience authentic artifacts, and explore an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit theAlamo.org.

About Remember the Alamo Foundation | The mission of Remember the Alamo Foundation is to provide support exclusively for the Alamo and its preservation, educational outreach, and public programs. We welcome your gift to support these programs and ensure that future generations will Remember the Alamo.