Louise B. Raggio Endowed Lecture in Women's Studies - Tate Lecture Series

LOUISE B. RAGGIO ENDOWED LECTURE IN WOMEN'S STUDIES

10th Anniversary Celebration

The 2007 SMU Louise B. Raggio Endowed Lecture Series in Women’s Studies marked the 10th anniversary of this influential series. The Series was established in 1997 with the intent of bringing women of outstanding achievement to the SMU campus to meet with students and deliver a keynote address for the greater Dallas community. The annual event is an enduring testament to Mrs. Raggio’s generosity and spirit.

A legend in her own time, Louise Raggio has done more to ensure the protection of women’s legal rights in Texas than any other person in history. As a graduate of SMU’s Law School in 1952, she was the only woman in her class. She went on to become the first woman prosecutor in the Dallas district attorney’s office. As a direct result of Mrs. Raggio’s efforts in drafting the Texas Marital Property Act of 1967, women gained the legal right to own property, secure a bank loan and start a business without their husband’s consent. Following this historical accomplishment, Mrs. Raggio established a law practice and was soon named one of the top 10 attorneys in the country. She has touched the lives of every woman living and working in Texas, ensuring that their voice is heard and their legal rights protected.

In 2005, a group of Mrs. Raggio’s friends initiated the “Thanks a Million, Louise” campaign to bring the Louise B. Raggio endowment at SMU to $1 million. The endowment is now $100,000 away from achieving this milestone. Join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Raggio Lecture Series at SMU and in realizing Mrs. Raggio’s dream of seeing the Raggio endowment reach $1 million during its first decade.