From the President

Through the generosity of our donors, SMU Ignited has exceeded $1 billion toward our $1.5 billion goal less than two years after our kickoff. Our incredible donors make possible our bold work to blaze new paths and spark world-changing discoveries – and inspire us to do even more. 

In this update, you will read about a historic gift from Jan and Trevor D. Rees-Jones ’78 of a rare collection and $30 million to create and build a new library for the study of the American West, elevating SMU’s position among leading institutions with collections on related topics. SMU Trustee Caren Prothro shows how this gift, and many other great things happening in SMU Libraries, supports our pursuit of becoming a premier teaching and research university with global impact. 

Additionally, G. Marlyne Sexton has made a $15 million gift to create the G. Marlyne Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre and endow its directorship. Her gift builds on the strong Meadows School of the Arts programs in theatre, music, and dance and will quickly put SMU among top national universities in this specialty. 

Construction is underway at the Garry Weber End Zone Complex. The design and several recent gifts demonstrate our commitment to the new era of athletic excellence at SMU, to our student-athletes, and to creating premier opportunities for Mustang fans. 

More than 150 graduate and undergraduate students participated in this year’s Research and Innovation Week, showing work that will make lasting impacts. Khengdauliu Chawang, a Ph.D. student at the Lyle School of Engineering, has developed a miniature pH sensor that can tell in real time when food has spoiled, which has real potential to improve lives. 

All of this work is made possible by donors who continue to fuel the excitement and energy throughout the SMU community. 

Pony Up! 

R. Gerald Turner
SMU President