Parent giving

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 in the lives of students and helps bridge the 30% gap between the true cost of an SMU education and the price of tuition.

In fiscal year 2020, more than 1,100 parents made at least one gift to SMU that totaled nearly $3.5 million. Of those gifts, members of the Parent Leadership Council contributed nearly $300,000 in matching gift support to encourage others to give as well. 

Geoffrey Small ’86 and family

“When I give to SMU, I am helping to have an immediate impact on current students’ education and experience as well as helping to support SMU’s success in the future,” said Geoffrey Small ’86 who co-chairs the Parent Leadership Council with his wife Nicole.

They are parents to Karna ’20, Kelley ’22 and Lauren ’22 and make giving each year to SMU a priority.

Our giving to SMU has a direct, notable, and deeply impactful effect throughout the University. To put it simply, our giving makes a difference!

— Nicole and Geoffrey Small ’86, Co-chairs for the Parent Leadership Council

We are proud to be Mustang parents, and we hope you are, too! Together, we have an opportunity to influence the future of the University in a way no one else can. Your support helps provide a unique and high quality education experience for all students on the Hilltop. Thank you in advance!

Geoffrey Small ’86 and Nicole Small
Parent Leadership Council Chairs and parents of Karna ’20, Kelley ’22 and Lauren ’22

* For more information about SMU’s recognition societies, please visit our donor recognition page. President’s Associates Society recognition is based on cumulative giving to current-use donations each fiscal year.

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.

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Giving is Rewarding

In addition to the satisfaction of knowing our gifts make a difference for our students and their peers, SMU provides special recognition and benefits to parents who choose to give at leadership levels each fiscal year. Parents automatically receive benefits with cumulative gifts at the following levels to any area of SMU. Parent giving benefits include the following at various leadership levels:

  • Prior-level benefits and an invitation to an exclusive opportunity to interact with SMU leadership
  • Tate Circle Recognition in SMU’s President’s Associates Society*
  • Prior-level benefits and four reserved seats for SMU Commencement during your student’s senior year
  • Lee Circle Recognition in SMU’s President’s Associates Society *
  • Prior-level benefits and two reserved seats for SMU Commencement during your student’s senior year
  • Selecman Circle Recognition in SMU’s President’s Associates Society *
  • Prior-level benefits and opportunity to hear from SMU Leadership
  • Hyer Circle Recognition in SMU’s President’s Associates Society *

Parent Leadership Council

The Parent Leadership Council plays an important role in supporting SMU by strengthening ties between the University and parents of current SMU students and increasing gifts to the SMU Parent Fund. Our current members are listed below.

PLC Members

Mr. Scott L. Adair

Mrs. Jody Adair

Mr. Rodney W. Adams

Mrs. Molly P. Adams

Mr. Christopher J. Ahearn

Mr. Lawson C. Allen

Mrs. Mary Lauren Allen

Mrs. Katherine H. Arcidiacono ’83

Mr. James C. Arcidiacono ’83

Mrs. Katie J. Bayne

Mr. Samuel G. Bayne, II

Mrs. Anne R. Beard

Mr. Richardson Beard

Mr. William C. Boyce

Mrs. Joyce S. Boyce

Mr. Dave A. Bradley

Mrs. Betsy H. Bradley

Mr. Jack Butler

Mrs. Erin M. Crocker

Mr. Patrick J. Crocker

Mrs. Ann Coleman Fielder ’89

Mr. Darwin L. Fielder, III ’12

Mrs. Deanna L. Glenn

Mr. Dale A. Glenn

Mr. W. Grant Gregory, Jr.

Mrs. Kim L. Gregory

Ms. Leigh H. Hay

Mr. John A. Hay

Ms. Jane V. Henderson

Ms. Greta Huizenga

N. Bruce Jenevein, Sr., M.D.

Mrs. Debbie McManus Jenevein

Ms. Michelle Juden

Mr. Alexander C. Juden

Mr. George M. Masterson

Mrs. Catherine C. Masterson

Ms. Marla J. Mayer

Mrs. Terry Modoff

Mr. Brian T. Modoff

Mrs. Joane Henneberger Pickett ’83

Mr. Wiley M. Pickett

Ms. Mary Virginia C. Reid ’89

Mr. Geoffrey R. Small ’86

Mrs. Nicole L. Small

Mrs. Kella Smith

Mrs. Jenifer F. Smyth

Mr. John E. Smyth

Mr. John M. VanderLinden

Mr. Nick A. Vlahos

Mrs. Angela G. Vlahos