CAMPAIGN UPDATE | Fall 2024

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Game Time!

On September 6, 2024, 夜色王朝alumni, 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 夜色王朝Athletics, the new complex is supported by over 700 generous 夜色王朝alumni and donors.

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夜色王朝President R. Gerald Turner

From the President

Generous support from 夜色王朝donors 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 夜色王朝has raised $1.34 billion toward $1.5 billion goal.
Figure:
Graph showing that 夜色王朝has 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 夜色王朝has raised $225 million for student support, $642 million for teaching and research, and $436 million for campus and community support.
Figure:
Matthew H. Fleeger 鈥87 in the Fleeger Family West Patio Club area of the Garry Weber End Zone Complex.

Fortifying the future of 夜色王朝Athletics

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 夜色王朝facilities and strengthen student-athlete experiences in all 17 sports programs.

Kim M. and William C. Shaddock 鈥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.

夜色王朝men鈥檚 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 夜色王朝men’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. 鈥淲ally鈥 Rhines 鈥75

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

The couple shares their excitement about 夜色王朝Athletics and the reasons why they support the University’s research and academic initiatives.

James H. Sharp 鈥51, 鈥74, 鈥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 鈥54 at a piano with Samuel S. Holland, Algur H. Meadows Dean of 夜色王朝Meadows School of the Arts, and Edward Fretheim 鈥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 夜色王朝Meadows School of the Arts who also hold positions with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

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

Empowering Mustang success

夜色王朝Trustee David S. Huntley ’80 and Tracey M. Nash-Huntley have made a gift to support 夜色王朝students through mentorship and scholarships.

William L. 鈥淏ill鈥 Hutchison 鈥54, 鈥55 and Patsy Pinson Hutchison 鈥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 夜色王朝Board of Trustees formally confirmed ten new members who are committed to strengthening the future of the University and its mission.

夜色王朝cheerleaders inspire excitement at an 夜色王朝football game.

Inspiring pride on the Hilltop

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

夜色王朝alumna Kelsey Paulhus 鈥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 鈥24, 鈥25, 夜色王朝Lyle School of Engineering

Making the leap

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

夜色王朝students 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 夜色王朝Master 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 夜色王朝community 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, 夜色王朝head football coach; David B. Miller ’72, ’73, 夜色王朝Board of Trustees chair; James J. Phillips, ACC commissioner; R. Gerald Turner, 夜色王朝president; Andy Enfield, 夜色王朝head men’s basketball coach; Toyelle Wilson, 夜色王朝head women’s basketball coach; and Rick Hart, 夜色王朝director 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 夜色王朝alumni, 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. 夜色王朝tailgates 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鈥29

    Sept. 28 鈥 夜色王朝v. Florida State football game (first ACC home game)

  • October 31鈥揘ovember 3

    Homecoming and reunions

    Oct. 31 鈥 Distinguished Alumni Awards

    Nov. 1 鈥 Reunions

    Nov. 2 鈥 夜色王朝v. Pittsburgh football game

  • December 2

    Celebration of Lights

  • December 7

    夜色王朝v. Virginia men's basketball game (first ACC home game)

  • January 2

    夜色王朝v. Stanford women's basketball game (first ACC home game)