CAMPAIGN UPDATE | Fall 2023

Advancing graduate education and research

SMU welcomed our newest building to campus, dedicating Frances Anne Moody Hall, home to the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. Moody Hall and the Moody School are supported by a $100 million gift from the Moody Foundation – the largest gift in SMU history.

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SMU professor and students discuss example of data visualization

Powering data-driven learning

The O’Donnell Foundation advances SMU’s digital future with a $30 million gift to support technological innovation and education at SMU.

SMU President R. Gerald Turner

From the President

SMU Ignited is making an impact across the Hilltop and beyond. Donor investments support groundbreaking research and innovation that creates lasting change in communities across the globe.

Campaign quarterly report

Campaign progress
Contributions by purpose
Campaign funding priorities
Donor gift chart Fall '23

Celebrating donor impact

As the University’s third comprehensive fundraising campaign enters its third year, more than 59,000 donors have invested to make a lasting impact on every area of SMU. Giving at all levels is on pace to set new records for the University. We thank every person and organization forging a brighter tomorrow for our campus, our community and beyond.

SMU joins Atlantic Coast Conference

News that SMU will join the ACC in 2024 is generating excitement around the country. As we fuel the next era of SMU Athletics, the University announced an unprecedented $100 million has been raised in support of the conference transition.

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Garry Weber End Zone Complex

Stampeding toward athletic excellence

SMU has launched the third phase of fundraising for the Garry Weber End Zone Complex, seeking gifts of all sizes. Once complete, the Weber End Zone Complex will transform the gameday experience at Ford Stadium.

Jennifer Gelety Flanagan ’82 and Martin L. Flanagan ’82

Q&A with Jennifer and Marty Flanagan

The longtime supporters of SMU athletics and academics share their excitement about the future of SMU.

Members of the Class of 1973 present a check to SMU President R. Gerald Turner

Golden Mustangs celebrate with gift to SMU Ignited

During their 50-year reunion, the SMU Class of 1973 presented a combined gift of over $6 million in support of SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow. Their generosity will empower Mustangs across the University.

SMU students collaborate while looking at computer screen

Backing student investors

A $1.7 million grant from the Phillips Foundation will be used to establish the SMU Impact Lab. The lab will give students practical, hands-on experience investing in socially useful commercial opportunities.

Mary Frances McClure Burleson ’57

Fueling student leadership

The late Mary Frances McClure Burleson ’57, a longtime supporter of SMU and the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series, directed over $1.4 million in planned gifts to SMU.

Illustration of driver’s seat view in a self-driving car with many data points highlighted

Fortifying the future

An in-kind contribution of IBM software and support will allow the Darwin Deason Institute for Cyber Security to expand its ability to test autonomous systems and devices from cyber security attacks.

Edward Glasscock works with graduate student

Uncovering new pathways for healing

SMU Prothro Distinguished Chair in Biological Sciences Edward Glasscock received a five-year grant to help identify people at risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

Delphina Rivas ’25

Called to serve

Hilltop Scholar and Provost Scholar Delphina Rivas ’25 has been chosen for a highly competitive Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship that will fuel her passion for service, travel and technology.
The Cox School of Business

Blazing the trail

Thanks to generous donors, the renovation and expansion of the Cox School of Business continues, with completion expected May 2024. The new facilities will foster educational distinction, research and business leadership.

Mustangs on the move

SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute attendees participated in three days of in-depth educational courses in culture, art and history of northern New Mexico.
Nancy McMillan Dedman ’50, Ann Dyer, Kate Juett, Gail M. Sachson ’78, Nita Prothro Clark enjoyed the life-changing experiences at the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute.

SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute attendees participated in three days of in-depth educational courses in culture, art and history of northern New Mexico. Nancy McMillan Dedman ’50, Ann Dyer, Kate Juett, Gail M. Sachson ’78, Nita Prothro Clark and many more Mustangs enjoyed the life-changing experiences throughout the weekend’s events that included hands-on exploration and dynamic discussions of the Land of Enchantment.

Throughout the summer, SMU hosted send-off parties across the country where new students and their parents could get to know one another and Mustang alumni in their community. In late August, students returned to campus and moved into their Residential Commons ready to get the school year started.

Happenings on the Hilltop (and beyond)

  • October 9

    Washington, D.C. World Changers Alumni Networking Event

  • October 26-29

    Homecoming and reunions

    Oct. 26 - Distinguished Alumni Awards

    Oct. 27 - Reunions

    Oct. 28 - SMU v. Tulsa football game

  • November 27

    Celebration of Lights


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Contact us

We are excited to have Mustangs, SMU family and friends involved in SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow. To learn more about how you can achieve your philanthropic objectives and about our plans to think big and do good, please contact your representative at SMU or email smuignited@smu.edu.