NEW STAFF
Jesse
Rojana - University Bursar's Office
STAFF LEAVING
Birthdays
Jean Porter – Happy Birthday – May 26
Work Anniversaries
Joe Papari – 32nd work anniversary – May 28
Monica Gomez – 11th work anniversary – May 27
Marcia Miller – 9th work anniversary – May 27
Kelly Milazzo – 4th work anniversary – May 19
SMU is "HOT"
Admission staff have reported since the admission letters were mailed that our acceptances are running ahead of last year. With the number of applicants increasing again this year, the quality of the students is moving our student profile closer to the targets set by the Board of Trustees in our effort to move into the top of tier of colleges and universities in the United States.
We continue to have requests for visits by prospective students and their families and group visits even now. A group of 80 students will visit SMU this week beginning their journey to select an institution of higher education.
Can't Rain on this Parade
Without regard for the grey skies and intermittent rain, graduates lined up for Baccalaureate on Friday, May 11, 2012. This traditional service begins Commencement weekend. It is held in McFarlin Auditorium and attended by students receiving bachelors degrees and their guest. Dr. Richard J. Wood, dean emeritus of the Yale University Divinity School was the Baccalaureate preacher.
Following the service, the graduates participate in Rotunda Recessional, walking back through the Rotunda of Dallas Hall, symbolizing the graduates entering into a new phase of their lives. Students look forward to this part of the ceremony for four years. Even the rain did not keep the graduates from completing their cycle at SMU.
VIPs -
Very Important Ponies
Some of our VIPs this month are:
Paley Wu and all of DES - I just wanted to thank all in helping me with my move to Blanton. You really made it as painless as possible. Everyone has been really great, the registrar's office, financials, who else? I couldn't have done it without Paley, he has been wonderful. It is like coming back. Everyone being so welcoming, and at such a busy time, has been amazing. Claire Brooks
Susan Evans - Thanks Susan for explaining the process and directing me to Susan Sifford. The mom is very thankful and appreciates everyone's effort in finally resolving the science issue on the GEC. Mom and daughter will be checking over the weekend to review the progress report. Mom also knows that daughter will need to complete the form to move her out of her current student group. Thanks for all you do for our students.
Paola Sotomayor, Cruz Lopez, Yaw Bonsu, and Irma Herrera - Another good example of it takes a village. Martha (Starke) called concerning her last President's Scholar student who has not signed up for AARO. Family indicates deposit has been sent but I see she is still in admit status. I asked Paola to look for paperwork but in the end Paola just called the family to take the deposit by phone. Cruz approved "speeding up" a process that normally would not have happened until Monday, Yaw gets her matriculated, I call the family, email Martha and everyone is happy!
Mary Ann Frye, Paola Sotomayor and Allison Witucki - you did a great job on the Texas BUC$ regional [workshop at SMU]. The Dallas Regional was a tremendous success. Forty-five folks came and there was lot's of information shared and learned. Officer of Texas BUC$
Jackie Wilborn - thank you so much for allowing us to move back your use of 108 for diploma preparation. As you know, Admission is having the good fortune of a great deal of interest. So having all three [meeting] rooms will greatly assist them into next week.
Allie Bures - I appreciate the work of Ms. Allie Bures.
Allie has not only been a great representative of SMU but a true joy and
pleasure to work with throughout this process. The time and care she
places into working with our boys many times goes unnoticed but I notice it and
really appreciate her and the great work she does and on behalf of my staff, the
boys and me, we thank you for sending her our way. It is rare to work with
someone who shows so much professionalism and I appreciate her work and want you
to know that. A High School Counselor
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Jose L. Loge
President of the Faculty Senate
with the Ceremonial Mace
Standard Bearers for each School
Important Dates
May 14 - May Term IEP payment due date
May 21 - Summer payment due date (expt Theo)
May 29 - Summer Theology payment due date
May 31 - Summer I & Full main campus begins
May 31 - June Term Taos begins
June 14 - Summer EHD payment due date
July 2 - Summer IEP payment due date
July 2 - Summer II main campus begins
July 31 - August Term Taos begins
SMU Trivia
Question
Answer
Mark your calendar
May 28
Memorial Day Holiday
Quotation of the Month
He who does not look ahead remains behind.
Spanish Proverb
What role did the Technical Club of Dallas play in the educational offerings of
SMU?
They requested the establishment of the Engineering School which enrolled
its first students in 1925.
Record Attendance
A full house in Moody Coliseum awaits the procession of the May 2012
graduating class. 1620 chairs filled the floor to accommodate the 1450
students and 200 faculty and Golden Mustangs who registered their attendance at the May 12th ceremony.
Thankfully, we had a few no-shows.
In addition to the usual pomp provided by the Imperial Brass, the singing of
the National Anthem by graduating Master's of Music student Hannah Rigg, and
the conferring of degrees, the Commencement Address was provided by Dr.
Condoleeza Rice, former US Secretary of State. Dr. Rice gave a funny,
personal, and instructive speech to the graduates.
She challenged them to find their passion or let it find them (as she said
her passion found her). She reminded the graduates that education is a privilege
and SMU teaches its student to think not just to do. She impressed upon
them that an education does not entitle them to anything but rather should
humble them and motivate them to help those who are in need. Finally
she encouraged them to seize the opportunities that are ahead.
Following her address, Dr. Rice received an honorary Doctor of Laws.
Also receiving an honorary doctorate was Nancy Cartwright who is considered
the most important and influential contemporary philosopher of science.
Dr. Cartwright received a Doctor of Humane Letters.
As always the ceremony ended with the playing of Varsity.