Message from the President

SMU Ignited continues to fire up our campus, resulting in a record-breaking fundraising year for 2021 and, as of May 5, securing over $880 million toward its $1.5 billion goal. In March, our annual one-day challenge, SMU Giving Day, saw over 3,500 Mustang donors raise more than $8 million – a new record – for vital causes across the Hilltop.

An innovative new commitment from William S. Spears will establish the William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership within the Cox School of Business, fueling business innovation and growth across Dallas and beyond.

In May, SMU celebrated the groundbreaking for the expansion and renovation of the Cox School, which will enhance the outstanding business education we provide our students and offer enduring support for our faculty.

Through the launch of our new scholarship program, Access SMU, the University will bridge the financial gap of current and future high merit Pell-eligible Mustangs across Texas.

Our donors are also driving new enhancements in SMU Athletics, including the April groundbreaking of the Holt Hickman Outdoor Pool at the Robson & Lindley Aquatics Center and the dedication of the Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium, the new home to SMU’s men’s and women’s soccer, as well as its cross-country and track and field teams.

With the launch of the fundraising drive for the Garry Weber End Zone Complex, the University is furthering our efforts to spark athletic excellence in Mustang football and all our athletics programs and invest in the long-term success of our student-athletes. To learn more about how you can impact the future of Ford Stadium and SMU Athletics, contact Matthew Peters at 214-768-7009.

Through the campaign, our community is creating life-changing opportunities and supporting world-changing research. I invite you to join this incredible journey to boldly shape tomorrow. Pony Up!

R. Gerald Turner
SMU President