Dallas Morning News editor commends SMU Hyer Society honorees

DALLAS (SMU) – Bob Mong, editor of The Dallas Morning News, congratulated the 27 new members of the SMU Hyer Society at its annual recognition event Sunday, Feb. 26.

“You bring great distinction to yourselves, your families and SMU,” Mong told the students. 

Mong also recognized four new Hyer Society members for the quality and depth of essays written in response to this question: “What story are America’s journalists failing to tell that should be top of mind for every citizen?” Read the entirety of Mong's comments.

Named for the founding president of SMU, the Hyer Society recognizes the University’s most intellectually gifted undergraduates who have distinguished themselves through high academic achievement. Only a small fraction of SMU students, roughly the top 4 percent of the student body, are nominated each year for membership.

The society’s selection committee includes one faculty member from each of SMU’s undergraduate schools and the Hyer Society chair. In November, eligible students are asked to submit an essay on a topic chosen by the committee, a résumé and recommendation letters from faculty members. The new inductees are selected in January.

Other awards presented include the University Achievement Award given to at least one junior to recognize outstanding academic accomplishment, and the University Award for outstanding scholar, that recognizes up to three seniors for enthusiastic pursuit of knowledge and commitment to excellence.

See the list of 2011-2012 list of scholars.

2012 Hyer Society (click image for hi-res verison)

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