SMU Parent Leadership Council

The Parent Leadership Council (PLC) is a select group of dedicated parents who volunteer as ambassadors to the SMU parent community and share their time, energy, and resources to help enrich the SMU experience for every student. PLC members meet twice a year in person on campus, host and attend admission events in their regions, offer support and resources to other SMU parents, provide feedback to University leadership on current issues, and network with each other to provide opportunities for our students.

SMU is a place where students thrive, thanks to a vibrant community and innovative programs that open doors to limitless opportunities. A deep seeded tradition of philanthropy makes this possible, and parent support truly fuels the SMU experience. 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.

The generous annual support of SMU parents and PLC 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. Together, we can keep this tradition strong and ensure every Mustang has the tools to succeed.

“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.

The SMU Parent Fund is a vital funding source that creates unique opportunities for students and enhances programs across campus. These current-use gifts provide essential resources for SMU’s highest priorities including: financial aid, faculty support, student experiences, and academic programs.

SMU Alumni together on the boulevard
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PLC in Action

Each year, the Parent Leadership Council (PLC) brings Mustang families together through signature events that celebrate connection and community. PLC hosts the Dallas Summer Send-Off Party every August on campus to welcome incoming students and their families to the SMU community. Many members also organize regional Summer Send-Offs in July and August, giving SMU families and students an opportunity to connect before the school year begins.

During Family Weekend, PLC hosts a reception to celebrate and thank all of our parent donors. The event reinforces the powerful impact of parent engagement at SMU.

SMU students and families at the Dallas Summer Send-Off celebration on campus.
Dallas Summer Send-Off — Mustang families welcome new students to the Hilltop.

Giving is Rewarding

Parent Leadership Council (PLC) members are committed philanthropists who often support multiple University priorities. SMU recognizes parent donors based on their cumulative annual giving during each fiscal year:

  • Rotunda Families: $25,000+ annually
  • PLC Families: $2,500+ annually

At these levels, you gain exclusive access to University leaders, invitations to special events, and personalized support from our Development and External Affairs team. More importantly, your gift strengthens SMU’s academic excellence and student experience and impacts lives for generations to come.

Your leadership matters. Your gift transforms. As a member of the Parent Leadership Council (PLC), you join a community of dedicated families who help shape the future of the University and create extraordinary opportunities for students.

For more information about joining, contact Amy Thompson at amythompson@smu.edu.

Parent Leadership Council 

Christopher Allen

Kathy Allen

Kathy Angele

Heather Asbury ’93

Scott Asbury ’93

Laura Baird

Matthew Baird

Chris Biles

Heather Biles ’96

Duffy Bloemendal ’97

Scott Bloemendal ’95

Amy Boehm

Christopher Boehm

Michael Canmann

Susan Canmann

Gregory Coleman

Jessica Coleman

Maya Crothers

Mike Crothers

Mathilde Currence

Richard Currence, Jr.

Mary Davidov ’93

Tom Davidov ’92

Jodi Donley

Troy Donley

Kristina Drone ’00

Tim Drone ’99

Gracia Duncan

Robert Duncan

Jon Feltheimer

Laurie Feltheimer

Alicia Fertitta

Michael Fertitta

Anita Fiser

Chuck Fiser

Annabelle Fowlkes

Gregory Fowlkes

Bethany Friedman

Jonathan Friedman

Kelly Friedman

Steven Friedman

Michelle Frymire

Richard Frymire, Sr.

Erin Furtney

Tom Furtney

Louis Girard ’91

Sophie Girard

Jared Goetz

Wendy Goetz

Gina Gregory ’90

James Gregory ’90

Ande Grennan

Mae Grennan ’94

Jeff Griffin

Leslie Griffin

Mimi Griggs ’93

Trey Griggs

Lorie Herod

Steve Herod

Jody Hull

Rob Hull ’94

Jason Jones ’04

Marla Jones

Andrea Kauffmann

Mark Kauffmann

Darrin Kennedy

Jodie Kennedy

Brooke Laughlin

Conan Laughlin

Melanie Lorant

Hallie Martin

Taylor Martin ’99

Catherine Masterson

George Masterson

Erin Stark-Medina ’95

Robert Medina

Garrett Moore

Karen Moore

Heidi Morse

Sam Morse

Amber Orradre

Tom Orradre

Jeff Rader

Kate Rader

Wendy Reicher

Manny Reyes

Meredith Reyes

Scott Richardson

Staci Richardson

Carin Rollins

John Rollins ’92

Benton Routh

Camille Scott

Joel Scott

Maneesha Shah

Sandeep Shah

Peter Spier ’98

Stacey Spier ’93

Adam Stiles ’95

Suzanne Stiles ’95

Heather Stoller

Steven Stoller

Mimi Swank

Steven Swank

Chris Swindle

Kathy Swindle

A. Lorne Weil

Benton Weinstock ’93

Darren Weinstock

Laura Wheless

Matthew White ’91

Stacey White