SMU is home to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which consists of the presidential archives, containing documents and artifacts of the Bush Administration; a museum with permanent and traveling exhibits; and an independent public policy institute.

Construction continues on the Center. When completed in spring 2013, it will have an exterior of red brick and limestone and landscaping that includes a restored prairie, a woodland and wildflower meadow.

Ground was broken on the Center in 2010, and a topping out ceremony — when the last beam was put in place — was held October 3, 2011. Read more about the topping out and watch a slide show, or watch a video of the groundbreaking.

Opportunities for SMU students have included classroom visits by former President George W. Bush and internships at the Bush Center. Students and faculty also have participated in conferences at SMU sponsored by The Bush Institute. Topics have included education leadership, educating the women and girls of Afghanistan, natural gas development, and the use of technology by cyber-dissidents to promote democracy. Student groups also have toured the Bush library materials site in Lewisville, outside Dallas.

More about the George W. Bush Presidential Center's website.