Homecoming on the Hilltop
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend November 12–15, 2026
Distinguished Alumni Awards
The Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony honors outstanding leaders in philanthropy, business and civic life with the highest honor the University can bestow upon its graduates. Hosted by SMU’s president and the SMU Alumni Board, the ceremony recognizes extraordinary achievement, outstanding character and good citizenship.
The 2026 SMU Distinguished Alumni Awards will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Armstrong Fieldhouse on the SMU campus.
The ceremony will honor the 2026 SMU Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Gerald B. Alley ’75, Pat S. Bolin ’73, Donde Plowman ’74, and Emerging Leader Award recipient Courtland Sutton ’17.
Reunion tailgate on the Boulevard and Class Reunion Celebrations
We are excited to welcome the classes of 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 this year!
We invite you to join fellow classmates and SMU alumni from all reunion years at a special tailgate on the Boulevard! Mix and mingle with your classmates as well as alumni from across multiple years at this special event before taking your collective energy to Ford Stadium to cheer on the Mustangs!
Did you receive an advanced degree from Dedman School of Law or the Cox School of Business? Be on the lookout for special events like the Cox Homecoming Weekend Grand Gathering and Dedman Law School Reunion, as well as school tents on the Boulevard. All schools will have something going on, including Dedman College and Perkins Homecoming tents on the Boulevard. We can’t wait to see you!
Register Make a Gift Schedule of events
Affinity group activities
The affinity alumni boards: Asian Pacific Islander Alumni of SMU, Black Alumni of SMU and Latino Alumni of SMU will host annual Homecoming tailgates to connect with current students and alumni.
Homecoming parade
SMU’s 107th Homecoming is “Rock ‘n’ Reign” themed, and is meant to pay homage to some of the great musicians and bands beloved by alumni and current students alike. Within this theme, participating organizations have the opportunity to showcase the same type of creativity and innovation that have continually changed the definition of rock music throughout the decades, and Student Foundation is excited to see the results of their efforts!
Alumni Fan Zone and Reunion Village
The SMU Fan Zone, located on Dallas Hall Lawn near Fondren Library, invites all alumni in non-reunion years, along with friends and families to join us as you get ready to cheer on the Mustangs. Attendees can enjoy food, beverages, games and children’s activities. There is something for SMU fans of all ages.
Make plans to join us as the Mustangs welcome the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to Ford Stadium on Saturday, November 14.
Wear red and blue Friday, November 13
This year, we’re inviting the entire Dallas community to be part of the Homecoming celebration. On Friday, November 13, wear red and blue — on the Hilltop, at work, at school or around town.
Whether you’re an SMU graduate, a Mustang fan, a neighbor or simply proud to call Dallas home, join us. Let’s fill Dallas with red and blue!
Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center
Experience the presidency at the Bush Center on your return to campus – explore the Game Changer: United by Sports special exhibit, which explores how sports are interwoven with American history, spotlighting defining moments and historic milestones; take a photo at the Resolute Desk in the full-sized Oval Office replica, dine at Café 43 and wander the 15-acre Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park.
Join Oscar nominated actor Gary Sinise for a special event at the George W. Bush Presidential Center
On Homecoming weekend, the Bush Center will welcome Gary Sinise, acclaimed actor and advocate for veterans.