Wes K. Waggoner

Years at SMU: 1 year, but I've known about SMU since I was in high school - a LONG time ago.

Favorite thing about SMU: Every evening there is something cool to do on campus - a lecture, a movie premier, a play, an art opening, or even a soccer match. This place makes me feel smart, and I'm not even a student!

Favorite place on campus: Standing in the rotunda of Dallas Hall looking up into the dome. THIS is what it feels like to be at a great university.

Favorite place in Dallas: Looking out the window of the Sixth Floor Museum onto Dealey Plaza where President Kennedy was shot. Not a pleasant memory, I know, but there is so much history and significance wrapped up in that museum and site. For a more fun experience, I love to ride the Texas Star...a HUGE, and I mean HUGE, ferris wheel at the Texas State Fair every October. You can see the whole city from up there!

Favorite restaurant near campus: Olivella's on McFarlin just off campus. It's kind of hidden on a side street. Small, but it makes me feel like I'm in Italy, on a side street. Quaint, with character, and really good pizza. Yumm!

What I recommend during your stay in Dallas: Three things - Eat at great local restaurants (dives, not the famous ones); Shop - because there are some really great stores...and bargains; and study architecture (Dallas has an amazing collection of buildings by the world's most famous architects.) Sure, you'll spend more than a day, but it's so worth it!