Altria, headquartered in Henrico County, has a net worth of more than $100 billion, according to the company’s annual report. It is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. and John Middleton Inc., which makes cigars and pipe tobacco. Altria also owns 35% of the e-cigarette maker Juul.

For years, the tobacco giant has been the biggest corporate entity in Richmond and the biggest corporate donor to VCU. According to VCU donor relations spokeswoman Samantha Marrs, VCU has accepted more than $2.5 million in donations from Altria since 2016.

VCU will continue its relationship with Altria, which has been “very beneficial to a number of areas in the university,” Marrs said. Not only has Altria made substantial financial contributions to the university, but the conglomerate is also one of the top recruiters at VCU, employing hundreds of alumni, according to Marrs.

Marrs does not believe the policy banning smoking at VCU will have any effect on the partnership between the corporation and university. She said Altria will continue to provide scholarships and other support for VCU students.