Community effort
SMU Giving Day, the University’s annual one-day giving challenge, took place on March 5, with SMU alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and community members joining together to support causes across the Hilltop.
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4,100+
donors
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$3.4M+
raised
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200+
causes across campus
From the President
The enduring impact of our donors’ generosity is visible across our campus, from new and renovated facilities to support for student scholarships and research. Read more about the continued impact of SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow.
Campaign quarterly report
Charging ahead
Leading up to SMU’s entry into the ACC, the University announced a goal to reach a record number of Mustang Club members. Gifts of any size to any area of SMU Athletics demonstrate the breadth of support for our student-athletes as they strive for success. Additionally, donors have committed more than $121 million over the next five years toward the ACC Competitiveness Campaign.
SMU is coming
A provocative new TV ad is serving notice to more people that SMU is charging into the ACC. The video was developed by Emmy-winning creative director and SMU alumnus Hal Curtis ’84. The ad aired during the ACC basketball tournament and is on Spectrum Dallas during NCAA tournament games through April 8.
Q&A with Laura Guerin Howard ’00 and William J. Howard ’00
The SMU alumni share their passion for giving back through scholarships and by supporting SMU Athletics “to help break down barriers for students so they can enjoy the full benefits of an SMU degree.”
More on the next chapter for SMU Athletics
NBC5 recently spoke with Rick Hart, SMU director of Athletics, and Sam Erger, head volleyball coach, about the move to the ACC and what it means for the University. Additionally, The Dallas Morning News covered some of the expected positive impacts for Dallas and its sports fans.
Engineering excellence on and off the field
Former SMU offensive lineman Jackson Ritz ’23 utilized his strength in communication, planning and strategy both on the football field and in earning his degree from the Lyle School of Engineering.
Recognizing the future of artificial intelligence
SMU scholarships have fueled the research of Ph.D. candidate Eli Laird ’21, ’23, ’27 in his pursuit to expand our knowledge of artificial intelligence. His discoveries support facial recognition algorithms and their connections to ongoing advancements in AI.
Finding her purpose
Transfer student Raissa Umwali ’27 received the North Texas Community College Scholarship. Through her nonprofit work and studies, she seeks to change the future for her community in Rwanda.
Strengthening our community connections
In December 2023, SMU commemorated the addition of a new flagpole at the southwest corner of Mockingbird Lane and Central Expressway outside the Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex. Taking part in the event were SMU President R. Gerald Turner; William “Bill” H. Vanderstraaten ’82, past Alumni Board chair; Philip J. Wise ’78, ’81, SMU Alumni Board chair; and Brad Cheves, SMU vice president for Development and External Affairs. The Triple D Peruna flag that adorns the flagpole expresses SMU’s connection with the city of Dallas and celebrates our student-athletes.
Happenings on the Hilltop (and beyond)
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April 18–20
Founders’ Day Weekend
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May 3
David B. Miller Business Quadrangle dedication
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May 11–12
All-University Commencement and Class of 1974 50-year Reunion Weekend
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July 1
ACC entry
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July 18–21
SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute
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August 31
First home football game
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September 6
Garry Weber End Zone Complex dedication
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September 27–29
Family Weekend
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October 31–November 3
Homecoming and Reunions