From one Mustang to another

Libby Wood with her new Mustang.

DALLAS (SMU) —  For an SMU family in the auto business, providing a ruby red 2015 Mustang for a lucky fan at SMU’s Centennial Homecoming football game seemed like a perfect opportunity.

The two-year-lease for the Mustang, awarded at the end of SMU’s Sept. 26 game against James Madison University, was provided by Bob Tomes and Barbara Utter Tomes ’78 of Bob Tomes Ford in McKinney, and their son, Brandon Tomes ’07. Entry forms were available at the game.

The winner, Libby Wood, on campus for her class of 1975 reunion, brings a strong Mustang history. Her father, Sam E. Wood III '51, played center for the SMU football team during the legendary Doak Walker era, and her brother, Billy "Bull" Wood '75, played football for SMU in the 1970s. Her mother, Connie Cunningham Cureton '51, also attended SMU. Libby graduated in 1975 with a degree in graphic design.

"I am going to drive the car for fun and will always remember the thrill of winning the red Mustang," Libby said.

For Barbara Tomes, Mustangs and Fords are part of her extended family. She is the daughter of a Ford dealer and her brothers, Bill Utter ('74) and Bob Utter ('76),  are SMU graduates and Ford dealers too. A business graduate, Barbara was president of the business fraternity, Phi Chi Theta and a member of Delta Delta Delta. She also was treasurer of the SMU Mothers' Club when Brandon was an SMU student. Barbara met Bob Tomes, a University of Nebraska graduate, when both worked for the Ford Motor Company in Houston.

Brandon Tomes ’07 with Everly Tomes, Stephanie Tomes, Barbara Utter Tomes ’78 and Bob Tomes.

"My business professors gave me a lot of confidence and wonderful opportunities," Barbara says.

Brandon Tomes also graduated from Cox School of Business. At SMU he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and studied abroad in Oxford. He supports SMU now as a member of the Mustang Club and football and basketball season ticket holder. From an early age Brandon says he knew he wanted to join the family auto business. After summer internships in other businesses, he joined the Tomes Auto Group after graduation and opened Brandon Tomes Subaru in 2009. He and Stephanie Lydon married in 2013. Their daughter Everly Grace Tomes was born in 2014.

In addition to giving the Ford Mustang to Libby Wood, Bob Tomes Ford is offering VIP pricing to anyone who mentions “Pony Up Pricing” between now and December 31 — and will donate $100 to SMU in the name of each SMU fan who buys or leases a car before the end of the year. More details are available at bobtomesford.com/ponyup.

"I couldn't be more excited about what is happening at SMU, especially during the University’s 100^th birthday," Brandon said. "My family thought this was an important way to give back."

21338