From the President
Propelled by the generosity of our donors, SMU is leading bold change across academics and athletics that will continue to prepare future generations of world changers. I am pleased to report that the SMU Ignited campaign for impact has raised over $1.2 billion toward our ambitious $1.5 billion goal, surpassing the entire total of our 2008–2015 SMU Unbridled campaign. In this campaign update, you’ll learn about the impact donors are fueling to support outstanding students, competitive student-athletes, advanced scholars, and great technological innovations.
Plans are well underway for our July 1, 2024, move to the Atlantic Coast Conference. More than 80 donors have already committed over $120 million to ensure that SMU is ready to compete from day one. We invite everyone to support our ACC Competitiveness Campaign. In our Q&A, James Landen, Jr. ’10 describes how investing in our student-athletes, infrastructure, and coaching staff will prepare SMU Athletics to excel in one of the best conferences in the nation.
Part of that preparation includes the newly completed Holt Hickman Outdoor Pool, adding to our roster of championship-caliber facilities and strengthens the excellent SMU swimming and diving programs. The University joins a prestigious list of collegiate institutions with both indoor and outdoor Olympic pools in the same complex.
In research and academics, SMU is making vital contributions to North Texas and around the world. In October, President Biden announced that the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub led by SMU and including 41 universities, colleges, businesses and other partners will be one of 31 federal technology hubs across the United States. The coalition will focus on semiconductor manufacturing and will receive funding to support job creation and economic growth in North Texas.
Also in October, Dedman School of Law celebrated the 75th anniversary of the school’s legal clinics, which have provided free legal services to thousands of people with real problems who cannot afford a lawyer.
Through the commitment and dedication of our donors, SMU is blazing new trails close to home and across the globe. As we move forward, we will be united in the pursuit of our mission to boldly shape tomorrow. Pony Up!
Pony Up!
R. Gerald Turner
SMU President