Inspiring pride on the Hilltop

SMU cheerleaders inspire excitement at an SMU football game.

As the University enters the ACC, SMU Spirit programs are themselves entering a new era of energizing Mustangs, thanks to our donors.

Generous support allows the teams – Mustang Band, cheer, pom and Peruna – to build on their successful history in several exciting ways:

  • Mustang Band welcomed its largest membership in SMU history with 110 students, including 50 first years. Ongoing support from the Diamond M Club enabled SMU to award scholarships to each Mustang Band member. The band is directed by Charles Aguillon.
  • Beloved mascot Peruna has a new horse trailer as well as increased care and boarding thanks to an endowment gift from Hallie Martin and Taylor R. Martin ’99, a former Peruna handler.
  • SMU cheer, SMU pom and human Peruna will have an elevated presence at SMU athletic and official University events, due to support from Bill Armstrong ’82 and Liz Martin Armstrong ’82 and other donors. For the first time, cheer and pom will be in all four corners of Ford Stadium during home football games. The combined squads with all 44 members will also perform in the pregame festivities. They also have office space and locker rooms within the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.

The growth in each spirit program requires additional fundraising for new uniforms and equipment that will allow the SMU logo to stand out and garner brand recognition during national broadcasts.

“Our work is just getting started. We intend for SMU Spirit to continue elevating our program, the SMU students and the community we are committed to serve,” said Carrie Teller ’02, ’21, director of SMU spirit groups.

For information about making a gift to support the growth of the SMU Spirit Program, please contact Brandon Starr, director of development for SMU Student Affairs, at 214-768-7726 or bstarr@smu.edu.