CAMPAIGN UPDATE | Fall 2024

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Game Time!

On September 6, 2024, Ƶalumni, family and fans gathered to dedicate the Garry Weber End Zone Complex at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Launched by the largest gift in the history of ƵAthletics, the new complex is supported by over 700 generous Ƶalumni and donors.

Learn more

ƵPresident R. Gerald Turner

From the President

Generous support from Ƶdonors fuels our entrance into the ACC and academic initiatives in every area of the University as we progress toward the $1.5 billion goal for  SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow.

Campaign quarterly report

Graph showing that Ƶhas raised $1.34 billion toward $1.5 billion goal.
Figure:
Graph showing that Ƶhas raised $543 million for current use, $421 million for capital projects and $354 million for endowment, with $23 million to be designated.
Figure:
Graph showing that Ƶhas raised $225 million for student support, $642 million for teaching and research, and $436 million for campus and community support.
Figure:
Matthew H. Fleeger ’87 in the Fleeger Family West Patio Club area of the Garry Weber End Zone Complex.

Fortifying the future of ƵAthletics

A $2 million gift from Matthew H. Fleeger ’87 and Valerie “Candee” Fleeger ’86, ’90 and the Fleeger Family Foundation to the Garry Weber End Zone Complex and the ACC Competitiveness Campaign will enhance Ƶfacilities and strengthen student-athlete experiences in all 17 sports programs.

Kim M. and William C. Shaddock ’74 in the Shaddock Family Auditorium inside the Garry Weber End Zone Complex.

Fueling a new era of Mustang football

The Shaddock family made a $1 million commitment to the Garry Weber End Zone Complex, which will name the football team auditorium, a vital space for team meetings, film study, guest speakers and strategic planning.

Ƶmen’s basketball player on the court in Moody Coliseum.

Accelerating success on the court

A $1 million gift from Jodi and Kenneth Pratt will support the Ƶmen’s basketball program and new head men’s basketball coach Andy Enfield, including new renovations of the locker room and team offices.

Paula H. Rhines and Walden C. “Wally” Rhines ’75

Q&A with Paula H. Rhines and Walden C. “Wally” Rhines ’75 

The couple shares their excitement about ƵAthletics and the reasons why they support the University’s research and academic initiatives.

James H. Sharp ’51, ’74, ’87 and Noriko Sharp

Paying it forward

Noriko Sharp established the Dr. and Mrs. James Hilton Sharp Endowment to fund meaningful engineering research and advancement. James H. Sharp ’51, ’74, ’87 was a renowned presence in the Dallas engineering community.

Jeanne R. Johnson ’54 at a piano with Samuel S. Holland, Algur H. Meadows Dean of ƵMeadows School of the Arts, and Edward Fretheim ’17

Strengthening music education and performance

The Jeane R. Johnson Foundation has announced a gift to establish a permanent fund that supports adjunct music faculty at the ƵMeadows School of the Arts who also hold positions with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

David S. Huntley ’80 and Tracey M. Nash-Huntley

Empowering Mustang success

ƵTrustee David S. Huntley ’80 and Tracey M. Nash-Huntley have made a gift to support Ƶstudents through mentorship and scholarships.

William L. “Bill” Hutchison ’54, ’55 and Patsy Pinson Hutchison ’54

Years of service and giving

William L. “Bill” Hutchison ’54, ’55 and Patsy Pinson Hutchison ’54 created a legacy that has inspired Mustangs and touched many areas of the University.

Outside shot of Dedman Law quadrangle

Welcoming new trustees

The ƵBoard of Trustees formally confirmed ten new members who are committed to strengthening the future of the University and its mission.

Ƶcheerleaders inspire excitement at an Ƶfootball game.

Inspiring pride on the Hilltop

Generous support for ƵSpirit programs allows the teams to build on their successful history in new and exciting ways as the University enters the ACC.

Ƶalumna Kelsey Paulhus ’24

Pursuing meaningful solutions

Moody dissertation fellow Kelsey Paulhus ’24 pursues research into the causes of a life-threatening epileptic disorder, which may lead to more effective treatments for patients.

Ying-Chu Chen ’24, ’25, ƵLyle School of Engineering

Making the leap

Ying-Chu Chen ’24, ’25 came to Ƶas a President’s Scholar and dance major but never anticipated that would open the door to a career in mechanical engineering.

Ƶstudents in the MADI program collaborate with the Toyota Mobility Foundation to create design solutions for people with lower limb differences.

Designing for all

Collaborating with the Toyota Mobility Foundation, students in the ƵMaster of Arts in Design and Innovation program are working to create meaningful solutions for people with lower limb differences.

Charging ahead

A new era began as the Ƶcommunity celebrated the Mustangs’ entry into the Atlantic Coast Conference on July 1, 2024. The event in downtown Dallas was attended by over 900 alumni, family and friends – and broadcast nationally on the ACC Network. Attendees included Rhett Lashlee, Ƶhead football coach; David B. Miller ’72, ’73, ƵBoard of Trustees chair; James J. Phillips, ACC commissioner; R. Gerald Turner, Ƶpresident; Andy Enfield, Ƶhead men’s basketball coach; Toyelle Wilson, Ƶhead women’s basketball coach; and Rick Hart, Ƶdirector of Athletics.

With SMU’s beloved Peruna, the costumed mascots from all ACC member teams joined the revelry by visiting landmarks in the region and on the Hilltop. The day concluded with the skyline lighting up in red and blue to celebrate Dallas’ team officially joining the prestigious conference.

Welcoming students in reimagined spaces

When classes began in August 2024, students and faculty made the most of the newly renovated spaces and classrooms in the David B. Miller Business Quadrangle, the new home of the SMU Cox School of Business.

Making new connections

In cities across the country, new students and parents were welcomed by local Ƶalumni, family and friends at the University’s annual Summer Send-off events. A beloved annual tradition, these events forge new connections, create cherished memories and wish the next generation of Mustangs a successful and exciting year ahead.

Gerald J. Ford Stadium

Go Mustangs!

Join us on the Hilltop or the road and cheer on our Mustangs as they battle on the gridiron this season. Ƶtailgates are a great way to reconnect with longtime friends while enjoying appetizers, drinks and lots of swag to show your Mustang pride.

Happenings on the Hilltop (and beyond)

  • September 27–29

    Sept. 28 – Ƶv. Florida State football game (first ACC home game)

  • October 31–November 3

    Homecoming and reunions

    Oct. 31 – Distinguished Alumni Awards

    Nov. 1 – Reunions

    Nov. 2 – Ƶv. Pittsburgh football game

  • December 2

    Celebration of Lights

  • December 7

    Ƶv. Virginia men's basketball game (first ACC home game)

  • January 2

    Ƶv. Stanford women's basketball game (first ACC home game)