Signature Programs

SCIE's signature programs drive meaningful engagement that celebrate community at SMU and foster learning, dialogue, and belonging through campus experiences.

Dream Week

Each January, Social Change and Intercultural Engagement hosts Dream Week, an annual celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Week traditionally kicks off every year with SMU’s participation in the MLK Day Parade hosted by the City of Dallas. This time together is a great demonstration of our commitment as a university to the work of Dr. King.

2026 Theme

“With This Faith”
Derived from a quote by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s most iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

Unity Circle

Unity Circle is a yearly gathering during Dream Week between the SMU community—students, faculty, staff, and administrators to reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Circle aims to inspire the community with remarks from student leaders representing the Association of Black Students and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, as well as remarks from senior-level administrators.

This year's event will also feature a special message from the 2025 Maguire Public Scholar, Jessica Dixon Weaver, Vinson & Elkins Faculty Fellow and Professor of Law for the SMU Dedman School of Law.

dream week 2026 schedule of events

“A Long, Long Way”

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 60th Anniversary SMU Visit Commemoration

March 17, 1966, was a monumental day in SMU history. It was then that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited campus and gave a nearly one-hour speech to a sold-out McFarlin Auditorium about “The Future of Integration.” In commemoration of Dr. King’s 60th anniversary visit, the SMU and the local community are invited to an impactful and educational evening in the same venue where he spoke.

Part one of the event will provide historical context, showcasing documents and photos that chronicled his visit, as well as archived high-quality audio excerpts from his speech that night. The second portion is a moderated panel discussion featuring SMU and local clergy who will reflect on the significance of Dr. King’s visit and speech in 1966, as well as the relevance of his message today in 2026.

Lunch and Learn featuring Jerry L. Hawkins

Jerry L. Hawkins is an artist, educator, archivist, historian, futurist, and is the founder of the hawkins archives and works.

Hawkins served as Executive Producer and Narrator for the KERA video series “Recovering the Stories: Exploring the History & Resilience in Dallas Communities”. Recovering the Stories, a 2025 Lone Star Emmy Award recipient in the category “Diversity/Equity/Inclusion – Short Form or Long Form Content”, chronicles different neighborhoods and significant events from across Dallas, tracing the impacts on BIPOC communities from the past to present. From Fair Park to Little Mexico and neighborhoods in between, this video series is a closer look at how subjects like police brutality and gentrification have disproportionately affected BIPOC communities in Dallas.

Multicultural Student Celebration

The Multicultural Student Celebration celebrates the diverse experiences and accomplishments of students from underrepresented communities, uplifting their achievements alongside the families and friends that support them. Social Change and Intercultural Engagement welcomes all SMU Mustangs to explore how to participate in this meaningful graduation tradition.

Workshops

Contact SCIE to learn more about our interactive workshops.

SCIE Summit

The SCIE Leadership Summit is an annual spring educational experience designed for multicultural student organization leaders. In collaboration with Student Affairs and campus partners, the summit equips newly elected officers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to lead their organizations effectively.

Suite 218 Retreat

The Suite 218 Retreat is an immersive, day-long experience for SCIE and Women and LGBT student organizations that supports leadership growth, collaboration, and community building. Participants engage in activities designed to enhance communication, strengthen teams, and prepare student leaders to create impactful campus experiences.