Message from President R. Gerald Turner

Dear Faculty and Staff:

This is a time filled with opportunity for SMU. The Second Century Campaign officially launched September 12, 2008, and the response has been strong. The goal is to raise $750 million by 2013 to support student quality, faculty and academic excellence and the campus experience.

Faculty and staff are at the heart of the University’s progress, and now you can play a major role in the success of The Second Century Campaign. Your participation will show external donors that those closest to SMU join with them in advancing the University’s mission through giving.

We are seeking the same levels of participation for faculty and staff as for alumni: 25 percent annual participation and 50 percent cumulative participation over the life of the campaign. Gifts to any area on campus, whether endowment, operating funds or the President’s Partners program, are counted in the campaign. You may also select one of the campaign priorities – Student Scholarships, Faculty and Academic Excellence or Campus Experience. Please be assured that, as always, giving is strictly voluntary.

I am confident that, with your commitment and the leadership of the Campaign Steering Committee for Faculty and Staff, this initiative will be a success.

Best regards,
R. Gerald Turner
President

P.S. Please visit smu.edu/fs for more information about the campaign, the Campaign Steering Committee for Faculty and Staff and the kickoff events.