Second Century Campaign finale to feature dedications, celebrations, ‘Inside Smu’ & spring football
SMU’s Founders’ Day Weekend will kick start the University’s second century April 15-16 with Friday’s celebration of renovated library facilities, a new book on SMU history, the dedication of a new campus walkway, and a Mustang-sized finale to its Second Century Campaign.
The full schedule is available with opportunities to register for Friday and Saturday events and activities.
“We look forward to celebrating our beginnings at Founders Day each year, but in 2016 we also celebrate a very happy ending – the April 15 finale of the $1.15 billion fundraising campaign that has changed the trajectory of SMU,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “All of the opportunities the campaign has opened for SMU ultimately become community assets that we want to share. We hope our North Texas neighbors will come explore the Hilltop and enjoy Community Day with us on April 16.”
FRIDAY, APRIL 15 EVENTS
SMU will celebrate the renovation of the Fondren Library, including the Fondren Foundation Centennial Reading Room, at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the library, 6414 Robert S. Hyer Lane. Donors to be honored include the Hoblitzelle Foundation, the Hillcrest Foundation and the Fondren Foundation.
At 1 p.m. an open house is scheduled, honoring the release of the new book from SMU historian Darwin Payne ‘68 – One Hundred Years on the Hilltop: The Centennial History of Southern Methodist University. Signed copies of the book are available for order online, and will be shipped to purchasers after Founders Day Weekend.
At 6 p.m., the University will celebrate the campaign finale on the South Plaza of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center with a salute to the campaign’s major and leadership donors, the dedication of the Crain Family Centennial Promenade and the unveiling of a campaign major donor monument, including plaques listing major donors to the Second Century Campaign. The promenade will serve as an important pedestrian connection through the heart of the campus between Hughes-Trigg Student Center and Binkley Boulevard, and is paved with more than 10,000 bricks personalized by individual donors to the University.
During the reception that follows, guests can stroll the promenade and view their engraved pavers. Find some of the stories behind the bricks.
Friday ends with Sing Song, the annual musical theater performance competition for SMU students hosted by SMU Program Council. Scheduled for 8 p.m. in McFarlin Auditorium, the performances are centered on this year’s theme of “Twisted Tales.” Tickets are available online.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16 COMMUNITY DAY EVENTS
SMU Community day activities are all open to the public.
Inside SMU, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to noon in Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall, is a full morning of topical discussions delivered by SMU faculty and students. The plenary session at 9 a.m. features Darwin Payne ‘68, SMU historian and professor emeritus of communications, sharing “Ten Stories You Should Know about SMU.”
Community Day at the Meadows Museum is from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and will enable visitors to explore its Salvador Dali exhibit, as well as participate in special activities for children.
SMU Athletics is hosting afternoon events at Gerald J. Ford Stadium: Mustang Fan Fair begins at noon with inflatables and food trucks, followed by the SMU Spring Football Game at 1 p.m.
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