![Graph showing that SMU has raised $1.2 billion toward $1.5 billion goal](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/News-Graphs-winter-2023-progress.jpg?h=2658&iar=0&w=5101&hash=902F23328C0BF878B2FDD1EB327EDB7A)
Charging into the ACC
Donors to our new ACC Competitiveness Campaign will ensure our student-athletes can compete at the highest levels. In a few short months, SMU will join the Atlantic Coast Conference poised and prepared.
![Hickman dedication](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/hickman-dedication-03.jpg)
Making a big splash
SMU celebrated the dedication of the Holt Hickman Outdoor Pool at the Robson & Lindley Aquatics Center. The addition creates a hub of community engagement and competition for local and national swimming, diving and other water sports events.
![SMU President R. Gerald Turner](/-/media/Site/Campaign/2022/campaign-newsletter/sep-2022/30818D_021_RT-cropped.jpg)
From the President
Propelled by the generosity of our donors, SMU is leading bold change across academics and athletics that will continue to prepare future generations of world changers.
Campaign quarterly report
![Graph showing that SMU has raised $1.2 billion toward $1.5 billion goal](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/News-Graphs-winter-2023-progress.jpg?h=2658&iar=0&w=5101&hash=902F23328C0BF878B2FDD1EB327EDB7A)
![Graph showing that SMU has raised $469 million for current use, $402 million for capital projects, and $323 million for endowment](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/News-Graphs-winter-2023-contributions.jpg?h=3047&iar=0&w=3919&hash=DE0E3568EB88FE9F748D20158286D484)
![Graph showing that SMU has raised $207 million for student support, $529 million for teaching and research, and $424 million for campus and community support](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/News-Graphs-winter-2023-priorities.jpg?h=1903&iar=0&w=6532&hash=F691D51BFA1B914C99BA6495ECD33E34)
![James E. Landen, Jr. ’10](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/james-landen.jpg)
Q&A with James E. Landen, Jr. ’10
The Mustang Club President highlights why investing in our student-athletes will prepare SMU to compete in the ACC in 2024.
![Exterior image of the Weber End Zone Complex in its third phase of development](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/Donor_Gift_Chart_Fall23/weber.jpg)
Competing with strength
SMU has launched the third phase of fundraising for the Garry Weber End Zone Complex, seeking gifts of all sizes. The gameday experience will be transformed when the complex opens in August 2024.
![SMU researchers watch White House announcement](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/tech-hub.jpg)
Guiding regional semiconductor collaboration
SMU has been designated the lead agency for a federally funded economic development initiative to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain in North Texas and Oklahoma.
![Jia Zhang](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/zhang.jpg)
Unlocking earth science discoveries
Jia Zhang, Callahan Centennial Chair in Engineering, collaborated with top minds at NASA on a digital assistant for earth science research that recently received a patent.
![SMU Dedman School of Law staff celebrate 75 years of legal clinics](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/law-clinics.jpg)
Pro bono legal clinics reach milestone
The clinical program at Dedman School of Law celebrated 75 years of providing exceptional legal services to the community.
![Neena Imam](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/imam.jpg)
Spearheading innovation in data-driven research
Distinguished scientist Neena Imam has been named the inaugural Peter O’Donnell, Jr. Director of the O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute. The position underscores the University’s commitment to data-focused education and next-gen computational research.
![Megha and Nirav Tolia](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/tolias-cropped.jpg)
Welcoming entrepreneurial leaders
Global media and internet pioneers Megha and Nirav Tolia have been named co-founding directors of the William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The institute enhances the business ventures of SMU students and faculty and the North Texas region.
![Joel Ferrell](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/joel-ferrell.jpg)
Musical theatre leader joins SMU
Joel Ferrell was named the inaugural director of the G. Marlyne Sexton Institute for Musial Theatre. The institute prepare graduates for a lifetime of creative roles and artistic leadership.
![Hunt Leadership Scholar Isabella Polit ’27](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/isabella-polit.jpg)
Shaping young leaders
Get to know Hunt Leadership Scholar Isabella Polit ’27. The native of Miami, Florida, has used her leadership skills and business interests to create a company that helps children in need.![Conceptual rendering of Clements Foundation Scholars Den](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/scholars-den.jpg)
Cultivating spaces for collaboration and study
Reopening in early 2024, the renovated Clements Foundation Scholars Den will support outstanding students and faculty.![Aerial shot of construction at David B. Miller Business Quadrangle](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/cox-update2.jpg)
Igniting the future of business education
When the David B. Miller Business Quadrangle at the Cox School of Business opens in 2024, the new facilities will foster education, research and business leadership on the Hilltop.
Mustangs on the move
Family Weekend
During Family Weekend in September, SMU parents and students enjoyed the festivities. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush ’68 took part in the coin toss before the SMU vs. Charlotte football game.
At halftime, Parent Leadership Council co-chairs Brian T. Modoff and Teresa Modoff presented a $13.7 million check to SMU President R. Gerald Turner on behalf of all parents who made gifts during the 2022- 2023 school year. The support of current parents is critical to fueling every part of the SMU experience.
New York campaign celebration
Also in September, SMU alumni and friends in New York celebrated the SMU Ignited campaign at a special reception.
![Kenneth E. Mifflin ’79, ’88, Marsha Scott Mifflin ’79 and SMU President R. Gerald Turner](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/mustangs-on-the-move-NYC-01.jpg?h=1360&iar=0&w=2040&hash=A4E27AAF31F9FC74F149155DBC90F5BC)
![Erica Lumiere and Michael G. Howard](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/mustangs-on-the-move-NYC-02-2040x1360.jpg?h=1360&iar=0&w=2040&hash=DE8EB860D7451346FF0FF7881718E74B)
![Frank M. Dunlevy ’71, Andrea Dunlevy Williams ’98, Lauren Smith Gutierrez ’07 and Jim J. Gutierrez ’06](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/mustangs-on-the-move-NYC-03.jpg?h=1360&iar=0&w=2040&hash=27D0F641F82C74CA628F2BA11DC7EB18)
Homecoming
In October, Mustang alumni returned to campus to reconnect during rainy reunions and the Homecoming football game. Attendees included SMU Alumni Board Chair Philip J. Wise ’78, ’81 and Melissa Wise. At the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards, SMU recognized Emerging Leader Award recipient Brittany K. Barnett ’11, and award winners Ray W. Washburne ’84, Emily Rich Summers ’66, and Robert H. Dedman, Jr. ’80, ’84.
![SMU alumni wearing ponchos take a selfie during a rain shower](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/mustangs-on-the-move-homecoming-01.jpg?h=1360&iar=0&w=2040&hash=A5447E13B25DB0190B2774AA419D4989)
![Philip J. Wise ’78, ’81 and Melissa Wise](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/mustangs-on-the-move-homecoming-06-1401x934.jpeg?h=934&iar=0&w=1401&hash=2843BF9AAF9F512A60367A6F7DCC7B69)
![Brittany K. Barnett ’11, Ray W. Washburne ’84, Emily Rich Summers ’66 and Robert H. Dedman, Jr. ’80, ’84](/-/media/Site/Ignited/2023/daa-recipients.jpg?h=1360&iar=0&w=2040&hash=82B79673A3377D6C6514F8053D9546FA)
Happenings on the Hilltop (and beyond)
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March 5
SMU Giving Day
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April 18-20
Founders’ Day Weekend
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May 3
David B. Miller Business Quadrangle Dedication
Contact us
We are excited to have Mustangs, SMU family and friends involved in SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow. To learn more about how you can achieve your philanthropic objectives and about our plans to think big and do good, please contact your representative at SMU or email smuignited@smu.edu.