Parent Leadership Council

SMU’s Parent Leadership Council is a select group of dedicated parents who serve as ambassadors to the SMU parent community and provide volunteer and philanthropic support to enhance the life of the University and its students. Parents develop unique perspectives of SMU as they witness the transformation of their children into world-changing adults. This distinctive outlook allows SMU parents to champion the University in special ways.

SMU’s vibrant community and innovative programs position students for limitless opportunities. A deep seeded tradition of philanthropy makes this possible. The generous, annual support of SMU parents makes an immediate impact on the lives of students and helps bridge the 30% gap between the true cost of an SMU education and the price of tuition.

The support of current parents is critical to fueling every part of the SMU experience. With SMU parents contributing more than $13.5 million last year, the Parent Leadership Council hopes to inspire the continuation of a strong tradition of parent support. 

* For more information about PLC, please contact Amy Thompson

We are truly proud to be SMU parents. It has been a special privilege to have all three of our boys on the Hilltop at the same time. The Mustang community continues to inspire us daily with its ground-breaking leadership, innovation and generosity, and we are honored to serve the Parent Leadership Council. Your involvement and support as Mustang parents is crucial to the school’s success. Please join us during this exciting time at SMU!
Catherine & George Masterson, Co-chairs for the Parent Leadership Council and parents of Jackson ‘24, Miles ‘26, Blake ‘27.

SMU parents provide vital funding that enhances the experience of all students.

Since tuition only covers about three-quarters of an SMU education, our students rely on the generosity of alumni, parents and friends who make current-use contributions. These current-use gifts provide annual support for academic programs, student experiences and faculty members who shape a new generation of world changers.

The SMU Parent Fund is a vital funding source that creates unique opportunities for students and enhances programs across campus. It provides essential resources for SMU’s highest priorities, including financial aid, faculty support and the campus experience. Every member of the SMU community benefits.

Giving is Rewarding

Philanthropists at heart, PLC members often give generously to other University priorities as well. Donors are recognized for their cumulative annual giving at the levels below.

  • Access to upper administration in an intimate, conversational setting;
  • Peer networking among members
  • An opportunity for students to join some events as well
  • An annual gift of minimum $25,000 that may be directed to any area of the University
  • Personal support and communication from your development liaison
  • Four (4) reserved seats for SMU Commencement during your student’s senior year

  • Access to upper administration
  • Invitations to exclusive opportunities to interact with SMU leadership
  • Peer networking among PLC members
  • Opportunity for student to join some events
  • Annual gift of minimum $2,500 that may be directed to any area of the University
  • Personal support and communication from your PLC liaison

Parent Leadership Council 

Catherine C. Masterson, Co-chair

George Masterson, Co-chair

Brian T. Modoff, Past chair

Terry Modoff, Past chair

Lawson C. Allen

Mary Lauren Allen

Katherine J. Bayne

Samuel G. Bayne, II

Amy Boehm

Christopher Boehm

Betsy H. Bradley

Dave A. Bradley

Jack Butler

Michael Canmann

Susan Canmann

Angela J. Cheves

Brad E. Cheves

Stacey Dobos

Theodore Dobos

Daniel S. Dross

Paula E. Dross

Jon Feltheimer

Laurie Feltheimer

Michelle McKinney Frymire

Richard Frymire, Sr.

Erin Furtney

Tom Furtney

Alexander C. Juden

Michelle Juden

Dr. Elizabeth G. Loboa, Ph.D.

Melanie Lorant

Robert Medina

Todd Ridgeway

Erin Stark-Medina '95

Mimi Swank

Steven Swank

John M. VanderLinden

Matthew B. White '91

Stacey R. White

Anja R. Shoup, Mothers' and Dads' Club representative

George L. Shoup, Mothers' and Dads' Club representative

Jeanne Slay, Mothers' and Dads' Club representative