Forging the future
The SMU community gathered to celebrate the dedication of the David B. Miller Business Quadrangle, home of the Edwin L. Cox School of Business. Supported by hundreds of donors, the project provides new and renovated facilities needed to equip high-achieving leaders to drive success in a global economy.
From the President
Our Mustang community benefits from the longstanding support and leadership of our generous donors. As we dedicate new facilities and celebrate scholarships for the pursuit of education, research and the arts, the University is grateful for the continued impact of SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow.
Campaign quarterly report
Q&A with Linda Gardner and Fred Alsup
The Mustang supporters share their passion for giving to SMU through the University’s planned giving initiatives.
Strengthening support for outstanding law students
SMU Dedman School of Law has launched a new scholarship challenge to further elevate the standing of SMU’s historic law school by attracting future leaders who will make vital contributions in their legal careers.
Pursuing the arts
A $2 million gift from the Spaht Family Foundation and Claire Morris Spaht ’94 will enhance the SMU Meadows School of the Arts. The donation will endow the Claire Morris Spaht Chair of the Division of Art and establish an immersion fund for students to focus on the intensive creation and study of their craft.
Recognizing a public servant
Linda Wertheimer Hart ’65 and Milledge “Mitch” A. Hart, III have given $1 million to name the directorship of the SMU Center for Presidential History in honor of David Gergen, renowned public servant and presidential history enthusiast. The gift will enhance the study of U.S. presidential history at SMU.
Two schools name interim deans
The University has announced the appointments of deans ad interim to lead the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences and Perkins School of Theology.
Exploring the ties between art and empire
Donor support and graduate programming have provided doctoral candidate Jennifer Laffick ’27 with resources to study French art and its impact on imperial power in the early 19th century.
Pioneering research to reduce environmental impact
Kevin Nguyen ’24 has been profoundly impacted by supportive donors and faculty throughout his time at SMU. Working with chemistry professor David Son and other students, Nguyen has done focused research on biodegradable polymers.
Seeking justice
The new podcast SMU Perspectives recently offered an inside perspective on the work in Dedman School of Law to support survivors of crime. In the Judge Elmo B. Hunter Legal Center for Victims of Crimes Against Women, faculty members Natalie Nanasi and Demetrice Lopez-Loftis mentor students as they represent clients who have faced domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
A year in review
Take a look with us as SMU celebrates the milestones of the 2023–2024 school year in academics and athletics – all made possible because of your support.
Building a community of support
NBC5 recently spoke with Mary Sauceda, SMU executive director of Student Financial Services, and scholarship recipient Arath Dominguez ’25. They discussed Access SMU, a program for high-achieving students with substantial financial need that is supported by donations to the Opportunity SMU fund. Learn more about Arath Dominguez and how donors helped him achieve his dreams.
Meadows at the Meyerson
The 31st Meadows at the Meyerson gala, held on April 16, 2024, featured seven-time Grammy Award-winning rock musician Stewart Copeland performing his hit show Police Deranged for Orchestra with the Meadows Symphony Orchestra – the first time the work was performed by a collegiate orchestra. In conjunction with receiving this year’s Meadows Award, Copeland completed an artistic residency during which he worked directly with student musicians and spoke with several classes and the SMU Meadows community about his career. Proceeds from Meadows at the Meyerson benefit the Meadows Impact Scholarship Fund, which allows SMU to support promising Meadows undergraduate and graduate students.
Happenings on the Hilltop (and beyond)
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June 8
Los Angeles World Changers Alumni Networking Event
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July 1
ACC entry activities
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July 18–21
SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute
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August 31
First home football game
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September 6
Garry Weber End Zone Complex dedication
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September 27–29
Family Weekend
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October 31–November 3
Homecoming and Reunions