The Second Century Campaign, the largest and most successful fundraising initiative in SMU's history, raised $1.15 billion for the enhancement of the University's student quality, faculty and academic excellence and the campus experience.
While the campaign officially ended December 31, 2015, it continues to have an impact on every department and area as well as on each of SMU's three campuses, in Dallas, Plano and Taos, New Mexico. The campaign also strengthened SMU's national presence, drawing increased focus on the University's progress and growth and generating gifts from alumni, family and friends across the country and also internationally.
National Reach
For the first time in SMU history, The Second Century Campaign extended volunteer and donor activity through five campaign regions across the United States and also internationally, involving hundreds of volunteers and a remarkable 65,000 donors at all levels. Campaign progress was spearheaded by volunteers in campaign cities and in cities with SMU alumni chapters, indicated below. Campaign cities also are the site of major SMU alumni chapters.
Alumni Giving
The Second Century Campaign set records for two key areas of alumni giving. The University exceeded its goal to receive gifts from 50 percent of alumni over the course of the campaign, achieving 59 percent. It also surpassed its goal to achieve 25 percent of alumni giving in a single year, reaching 26 percent in 2014–15, doubling the percentage before the campaign. SMU has joined an elite group of universities in U.S. News & World Report rankings with a 25 percent annual giving rate. Rankings organizations use alumni giving to measure graduates' satisfaction with their alma maters.
Yearly Alumni Giving
Campaign Alumni Giving
Diverse Sources
The Second Century Campaign received strong support from alumni as well as a variety of other donors.
University-wide Impact
Campaign gifts provided critical support for each of the University's priorities.
Rising Reputation
SMU's rise in rank represents the sixth highest increase among the top 70 national universities. The impact of the campaign will continue to strengthen the University's reputation in the years to come.
