Charging toward the future of SMU Athletics
Mustang Club seeks record number of members
When SMU joins the prestigious universities in the ACC on July 1, 2024, the University expects to have secured unprecedented support from its donors. At the February meeting of the Board of Trustees, the University announced:
- More than $121 million has been committed to the ACC Competitiveness Campaign, which provides five years of funding toward the costs associated with the transition and competing at the highest levels.
- A goal of 3,500 Mustang Club members by May 31, 2024, which would be an all-time high for the University. Gifts of any size toward any area of SMU Athletics qualify the donor as a member of the Mustang Club.
To ensure our student-athletes can compete effectively, donors to the ACC Competitiveness Campaign have made five-year commitments that will enable our athletic programs to increase benefits and support for student-athletes, expand health and wellness resources, enhance nutrition, add coaching and administrative staff, upgrade facilities and cover greater travel and one-time transition costs.
“Donor support for the ACC Competitiveness Campaign showcases the deep pride and enduring love our Mustang alumni and friends have for the University,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “We thank the more than 200 donors who have made the commitment to support this endeavor and the success of our teams, athletes and coaches.”
Additionally, SMU has the opportunity to set a new record for the number of Mustang Club donors by the end of this fiscal year. Already, more than 2,700 people have joined by securing season tickets for football and basketball, making a gift toward the Garry Weber End Zone Complex and supporting their favorite sports and the Mustang Athletic Fund during SMU Giving Day.
“One of the things that stands out about ACC fans is the how many choose to support their teams financially,” said SMU Board of Trustees Chair David B. Miller ’72, ’73. “I encourage every Mustang community member, friend and fan to join me in giving something so we can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The Mustang Club is the official support organization for SMU Athletics and the largest source of ongoing funding for the department. Members include alumni, fans, lettermen, coaches, family and friends. Those who join these generous donors by May 31, 2024, will provide vital support to our student-athletes as they strive for success in the classroom and in competition. Donations also assist with facility renovations and other necessary projects that benefit all 17 sport programs.
“There is strong momentum as we move closer to July 2024 and see the increased demand for season tickets. SMU should not be underestimated,” said Mustang Club President James E. Landen, Jr. ’10. “SMU is demonstrating to the teams in the conference that we’re not just here to play. The Mustangs will be serious contenders in every program.”
Competing among some of the nation’s best schools requires significant operational support, especially to match those schools with more expansive budgets. In joining the ACC, SMU will forego some distributions for nine years. Contributions from donors help us make up the gap so we enter the ACC from a place of strength.
To learn more about the Mustang Club and how you can become a member, visit smu.edu/mustangclub. For more information about supporting the ACC Competitiveness Campaign, contact Joshua Whittenburg, associate athletics director for development, at jwhittenburg@smu.edu or 214-768-3315.