Katie Featherston’s Paranormal Fame
Actress Katie Featherston ’05 stars in Paranormal Activity, considered to be the most profitable movie ever made.
Perkins Honors A. Cecil Williams
Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University has named the Williams Preaching Lab in Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall in honor of the Rev. Dr. A. Cecil Williams ’55.
D.C. Alumni Share A Capital Day
Washington, D.C., alumni gather for a chapter picnic.
‘Mars Or Bust’
Former TAG student April Kramer Andreas ’02, ’03 returns to campus to teach the TAG summer class, “Mars or Bust: Building a Permanent Martian Settlement.”
Meadows Grads Rule In The King and I
Meadows School of the Arts alumni take center stage in the world premiere of a newly restored Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.
New Alumni Board Chair Focuses On Outreach, Campaign
As the incoming Alumni Board chair, Ken Malcolmson ’74 says “participation and the many forms that takes, from attending events to supporting The Second Century Campaign” is the Alumni Board’s focus.
Continue reading "New Alumni Board Chair Focuses On Outreach, Campaign" »
Reaping Rewards: Alumni Benefits
From career counseling to summer classes at SMU-in-Taos, SMU alumni receive a range of benefits.
Picking Up The Pieces In Louisiana
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita provided the perfect opportunity for Janet Pace ’80 and her volunteer agency “to put up or shut up.”
Leading With A Helping Hand
Mary Hutchings Cooper ’91 blends a high-powered career with volunteerism as one of the New York Junior League’s Outstanding Volunteers award recipient.
Financial Storms And A Capital Opportunity
Jeb Mason ’99 weathered the first wave of the economic tsunami as the Bush Administration’s Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) liaison.
Continue reading "Financial Storms And A Capital Opportunity " »
Slip Slidin’ Away
“Hockey and Happy Hour” draws more than 250 young alumni and guests.
Honoring A Dynamic Career
Microelectronics expert Robert H. Dennard ’54, ’56 receives the prestigious Charles Stark Draper Prize.
Music To Their Ears
Maestro Pietro Rizzo ’96, ’97 talked to Meadows School of the Arts students before making his American debut with the Dallas Opera.
Perkins Recognizes Distinguished Alumnus
David Maldonado Jr. ’68 honored by Perkins School of Theology.
Continue reading "Perkins Recognizes Distinguished Alumnus" »
Mother-Daughter Degrees
Teresa Venable and her daughter, Lindsay, each received bachelor’ degrees from SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences during spring commencement.
Golden Gate Gathering
David Cush ’82, ’83 donates a surprise prize in San Francisco.
Reconfiguring The Network
Author Bob Beaudine ’77 puts a new spin on networking.
Has It Really Been 20 Years?
The class of 1988 returns to the Hilltop for its 20th reunion.
Five Years And Counting
The class of 2003 gathers for its five-year reunion.
Hilltop On The Hill
Alumni in Washington, D.C., share insights with communications and journalism students.
Making A Global Impact Through Peace, Harmony And Science
Meet SMU alumni who have left footprints around the world through the paths they have chosen to follow.
Continue reading "Making A Global Impact Through Peace, Harmony And Science" »
Alumni Distinguish Themselves Through Service And Success
SMU honors outstanding alumni with 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards and Emerging Leader Award.
Continue reading "Alumni Distinguish Themselves Through Service And Success" »
Making Music With Maestro Guzman
Maestro Hector Guzman (’83) brings music to the world.
Celebrating Golden Peace Corps Memories
A Peace Corps volunteer in India, Jane Albritton (’67, ’71) is now spearheading a project to collect and publish volunteers’ stories.
Continue reading "Celebrating Golden Peace Corps Memories" »
Studying The Earth’s Movers and Shakers
Heather DeShon (’99) discovered her passion for seismology as an SMU undergraduate.
Continue reading "Studying The Earth’s Movers and Shakers" »
Revitalized Chapter Program Reconnects Alumni
Alumni Board Outreach Committee bolsters chapter program.
Continue reading "Revitalized Chapter Program Reconnects Alumni" »
Giving For The Long Term
Paying tribute to longtime SMU supporter Roy M. Huffington (’38).
Remembering A Popular Mustang
Former drum major Paul D. Miller Sr. is remembered.
Photographing The Land Of Enchantment
Capturing the beauty of New Mexico during the 2008 SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute.
Class Of 1958 Celebrates 50 Years And Sets Record
The class of 1958 gathers to share old memories and make new ones.
Continue reading "Class Of 1958 Celebrates 50 Years And Sets Record " »
Atlanta Displays Mustang Pride
Alumni, parents and friends gather in Georgia’s capital.
Distinguishing Dedman College
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences recognizes outstanding students, faculty and alumni.
Supporting Education Abroad
SMU alumni bring a global perspective to Trinity College’s international programs.
Dance Graduate Tapped For Rockettes’ Christmas Show
Dancer Megan Crichton always dreamed of being a Rockette, and now she’ proving that dreams do come true.
Continue reading "Dance Graduate Tapped For Rockettes’ Christmas Show" »
Engineering Hall Of Leaders Adds Three
Lyle School of Engineering honors Richard Ru-Gin Chang, Aart de Geus and Karen Shuford.
Hitting A High Note In Santa Fe
Soprano Laura Claycomb will perform with the Dallas Opera during the 2010-11 season.
A Smile That Says It All
Alumna takes the concept of “working vacation” to a higher level.
Continuing A Family Tradition
Pre-commencement festivities honor top students.
The Buck Starts With U.S. Treasurer
U.S. Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral, whose name appears on all paper currency printed since 2005, visits SMU.
All In The SMU Family
Edwin L. Cox (’42), SMU benefactor and trustee emeritus, welcomed a third generation to the alumni fold at Commencement May 17.
Branding Good Advertising
Advertising legend Hal Curtis (’84) shares his insights about brand heroism.
Setting A Humorous Ring Tone
Screenwriter and producer Jim V. Hart (’69) is honored at spring Ring Ceremony.
Honoring The Past, Shaping The Future
Meet SMU alumni who give their time, talent and other types of support to help others.
Bringing Children Into The Light Of Justice
Attorney Barbara Elias-Perciful formed a statewide child protection advocacy group that is now a national model.
Continue reading "Bringing Children Into The Light Of Justice" »
Rescuing da Vinci For Future Generations
Robert Edsel, author and documentary co-producer, keeps the story of the “Monuments Men” alive.
Continue reading "Rescuing da Vinci For Future Generations" »
Lauren Graham: Acting Is Being The Real You
Actress Lauren Graham (’92) passes along insights about the business of acting.
Continue reading "Lauren Graham: Acting Is Being The Real You" »
Ones To Watch: Bridging The Past And Future Of Civil Rights
The Rev. Michael Williams Waters and his wife, Dedman School of Law student Yulise Reaves Waters, work together to help others cross this bridge to social change.
Continue reading "Ones To Watch: Bridging The Past And Future Of Civil Rights" »
Focus On The Alumni Board: Out Of Town, But Never Out of Touch
Although she lives 1,700 miles away from Dallas in San Francisco, Travel and Education Committee Chair Andrea Zafer Evans (’88, ’06) stays connected to SMU.
Continue reading "Focus On The Alumni Board: Out Of Town, But Never Out of Touch" »
Honoring Distinguished Alumni
SMU recognizes six alumni for their outstanding achievements.
Keeping The SMU Spirit Alive In Houston
Houston-area alumni, parents and friends meet before the SMU vs. University of Houston game in November.
Continue reading "Keeping The SMU Spirit Alive In Houston" »
Capturing Katrina
Artist David Bates’ new series of paintings focuses on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Retrospective Exhibit In Houston Honors Artist
Following a run at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., the John Alexander retrospective is now on view in Houston.
Continue reading "Retrospective Exhibit In Houston Honors Artist" »
Augmenting The SMU Archives
The SMU archives adds items from the 1982 SMU vs. Arkansas football game.
Good To See You!
Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2007 draws 1,466 alumni, spouses and guests.
Alumni Link To A Good Cause
Friends and fraternity brothers from across the country unite for a golf tournament in honor of the late Chris Kutter (’94).
Mustangs Assemble In The Big Apple
New York City alumni, parents and friends gather for an SMU update.
Stanley Marcus: Reflection Of A Man
Allison V. Smith (’93) and her mother, Jerrie Marcus Smith, publish a collection of photographs by legendary retailer Stanley Marcus.
New Media Revolution
Meadows School of the Arts hosted a conference, “Revolutions per Minute: Emerging and Converging Media Technologies,” in November.
Climbing The Charts
Singer-songwriter Jack Ingram (’93) is on a winning streak.
Following Their Passions, Three Now Serve As Industry Leaders
Success stories often include a pivotal moment that leads to a life's calling. That is certainly true for three women who followed their passions after graduating from SMU to become leaders in retail, broadcast journalism and the health care industry.
Continue reading "Following Their Passions, Three Now Serve As Industry Leaders" »
An Organized Mind Never Goes To Waste
Politics of the 1970s – Watergate, Richard Nixon's pardon, Jimmy Carter's election – fascinated Melissa Meyer Reiff ('77), spurring an interest in law school. After graduating with a B.A. in political science from SMU, however, she took a different career course through a job that eventually led to her position as president of The Container Store.
Covering North America With CNN
Stacia Philips Deshishku (’90) achieved her high profile career in broadcast journalism thanks to a minor meltdown her first year at SMU. The political science major, at first aiming to become the first female president, called her mother after the first semester and said, “I’m not really meant for college.” With her mother’s encouragement, she signed up at SMU’s Counseling and Testing Center to take a series of aptitude tests, which pointed her toward journalism.
A CEO's Prescription For Success
On the first day of her orientation at Dedman School of Law, Angela Braly ('85) recalls being told that although half of her classmates were women, it would be 40 more years before they would achieve equal numbers as practitioners in the legal field.
Reaching Beyond The High Notes
Valerie Vinzant in Chabrier's "L'Etoile" Opera fans know they are in for a treat if a program contains arias from Massenet's "Manon," Handel's "Giulio Cesare" and Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix." And that is what soprano Valerie Vinzant ('06) delivered last spring when she sang these selections before renowned judges and a packed house at the Dallas Opera Guild Competition. Vinzant, who won first place, also claimed first at the district level and third at the regional level at the 2007 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions earlier this year. Since earning her Bachelor's of music in voice at SMU, Vinzant...
Applying Group Effort To Group Excellence
Growing up as first-generation Americans in Garland, Texas, the Bhatti and Dorvil siblings helped each other navigate school – studying and playing together and watching out for one another after class.
Continue reading "Applying Group Effort To Group Excellence" »
SMU Honors Distinguished Alumni
Four alumni have received the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest award SMU can bestow upon its alumni. Recipients are Linda Pitts Custard ('60, '99), James B. Gardner ('55), The Honorable Antonio O. "Tony" Garza Jr. ('83) and Rick Herrscher ('58). The Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes outstanding alumni who have graduated within the past 15 years, was presented to Nathan Allen ('00). They were honored at the DAA celebration in November.
New Goals To Serve Range Of Alumni Interests
Recent feedback from focus groups has enabled alumni leaders to establish new goals that focus on alumni priorities and interests.
Continue reading "New Goals To Serve Range Of Alumni Interests" »
Manhattan Connections
Manhattan Connections Dancer Jamal Story ('99), back row, third from left, ensemble member and assistant dance captain for the Broadway musical "The Color Purple," met with members of Mustang Consultants in July in New York City. Eleven dance and communications students, along with Assistant Communications Professor Maria Dixon, worked on a consulting project to help revitalize the Dance Theatre of Harlem's touring company. Pictured in the background is Arthur Mitchell, founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, who taught master classes at SMU in the spring. For more information, including a video of the sessions: www.smu.edu/newsinfo/videos/master-dance-nov2006....
Enchanted Learners
Associate Professor of Art History Adam Herring (center) uses the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ranchos de Taos to illustrate his lecture on church architecture of New Mexico. The course was one of several for adult learners presented through the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute last summer. Taught by SMU faculty, class topics focus on the unique geology; archaeology; literary, artistic and cultural traditions; and scientific importance of Northern New Mexico, as well as recreational activities. The 2008 Cultural Institute is scheduled for July 17-20. For more information: www.smu.edu/culturalinstitute....
Food, Fun, Fellowship
Alumni and their families munched on burgers from Burger House at the Boulevard before the Mustangs' season opener September 3 against Texas Tech University. At every home game the Office of Alumni Relations sponsors a tent that offers free food provided by popular area restaurants....
Power Of Inclusion
Energy industry leader and entrepreneur Bobby Lyle ('67) spoke with students about the importance of inclusiveness at the 2007 President's Leadership Summit in April. "Leadership is sharing," said Lyle, whose long service to SMU has included a stint as interim dean of the Cox School of Business and current membership on the Board of Trustees. "Don't put yourself in a 'we and they' position. Put yourself in an 'us' position, and don't be afraid to share."...
Ones to Watch: Breaking An Ankle Is Good Luck For Actress
In theatre, even breaking an ankle can be good luck. Ask Wrenn Schmidt (’05), whose own such accident indirectly led to a spot with the national touring company of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” The production, featuring Bill Irwin and Kathleen Turner from their Broadway roles as George and Martha, began a five-city tour in January at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The show also travels to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tucson through May.
Continue reading "Ones to Watch: Breaking An Ankle Is Good Luck For Actress" »
Taking Aim At Stomach Cancer With New Technology
At 26, Alonso Gutierrez (’03) is fulfilling his dream of applying the principles of science to patients’ needs. A medical physics Ph.D. student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he is developing new technology to make radiation therapy more effective in treating cancers of the stomach.
Continue reading "Taking Aim At Stomach Cancer With New Technology" »
While They Last: Summer Class Acts In Taos
Because of its popularity, the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute has added a second weekend of short informal courses for adults July 19-22. The new classes will be led by SMU professors and other experts on topics such as the geology of Northern New Mexico, the literature of D.H. Lawrence, Latino politics of the Southwest, petroglyphs as historic images, as well as fine art photography and wines of New Mexico.
Continue reading "While They Last: Summer Class Acts In Taos" »
Passport To Learning: 2007 Alumni Travel Programs
There is still time to travel and learn with SMU. The following trips remain in the 2007 Alumni Travel Education Program (dates subject to change). For more information, contact Alumni Relations.
Continue reading "Passport To Learning: 2007 Alumni Travel Programs" »
SMU Honors Alumni
SMU honored five outstanding graduates at the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award ceremonies. Recipients were (from left) investment banker and volunteer Paul Bass (’57), artist and former SMU trustee John Nieto (’59), Houston businessman Jerry LeVias (’69), and former Texas Supreme Court Justice Craig T. Enoch (’72, ’75). Houston attorney and volunteer Denise Scofield (’89) received the Emerging Leader Award. For more information, visit smu.edu/daa....
Masterminding His Path To Success
Since earning his Executive M.B.A. from the Cox School of Business in 2006, Erin Patton has found new ways to understand markets and cultures. During the past year, Patton has launched an innovative market research study, developed a $14.98 sneaker, written a book, and taught a course at Cox – while growing TMG, the market intelligence consulting firm he founded in 2001. TMG stands for The Mastermind Group. “I surround myself with very smart, talented and committed advisers and employees,” Patton says. Patton’s team, based in New York with offices in Dallas and Los Angeles, has counseled Fortune 500 companies...
Mustangs in Houston
About 2,000 Mustang fans turned out in force for the SMU-Rice football game November 25 in Houston. More than 400 SMU supporters attended a brunch at the Omni Riverway Hotel, as well as a tailgate party at Rice Stadium. The Owls beat the Mustangs 31-27....
Turning Vacations Into "Voluntours"
They help Buddhist monks teach poor children in Thailand, make wheelchairs for victims of Vietnam-era landmines in Laos and build stoves to save families from respiratory illness in Peru. And during their trips abroad, Globe Aware volunteers also find time to be tourists. In 2000 Kimberly Haley-Coleman (M.A., art history, ’97) founded Globe Aware, a Dallas-based nonprofit organization. The group sponsors weeklong volunteer-work vacations in Costa Rica, Cuba, Nepal, Brazil, Vietnam and Cambodia. As its executive director, she runs the “nonpolitical, nonreligious” organization with two principles in mind. “We promote cultural awareness, which means we work to appreciate both the...
Una Noche en el Teatro
Alumna Diana Aguirre (’96), second from left, joined (from left) Meadows School of the Arts staff member Kris Muñoz Vetter and Dean José Antonio Bowen and Fernando Salazar of SMU’s Multicultural Student Affairs office at a reception before the Spanish-language staging of Lope de Vega’s “La Discreta Enamorada” in December. The Meadows Theatre version updated the 1606 comedy to take place in Paris of the 1950s, featuring period music and dance and costumes based on the works of Spanish fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Performances were presented in both English and Spanish with two casts....
Taking Care Of Business In An Emerging Democracy
Lance Bozman (’85) has grown comfortable with being uncomfortable. The managing director of AIG/Lincoln Hungary, a commercial real estate company in Budapest, he says the business and cultural environment is “so completely different from Dallas that every day is a learning experience.” In planning and developing projects such as the high-tech InfoPark and the M1 Business Park, “I’ve had a front-row seat to history,” Bozman says. Since 1998, when he moved to Budapest to put together the InfoPark deal, “it’s been an unbelievable journey watching these countries move from a centrally controlled government to a free market.” Bozman also is...
Continue reading "Taking Care Of Business In An Emerging Democracy" »
Hilltop on the Hill
Juniors Katie Gage (far left) and Steven Chlapecka (far right) networked with Trisha Gregory (’04) and Julie Terrell (’05) (center) at a Washington, D.C., alumni reception in October as part of “Hilltop on the Hill,” a weeklong program sponsored by SMU’s Division of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. CCPA students meet D.C.-area alumni, public officials and communications professionals to learn behind the scenes from staff ranging from the White House to Capitol Hill. Student blogs can be read at smu.edu/adventures....
Renovated Facility Serves Faculty and Alumni
SMU’s campus has been the site of numerous memorable occasions – and with the reopening of its historic and newly renovated Faculty Club, University alumni now can make Hilltop memories with their own special events.
Founded in 1921 as a social club for male faculty members to enjoy games of pool and bridge, the SMU Faculty Club merged with the Women’s Faculty Club in 1963. Remodeled and redecorated in 2006, the club provides an inviting setting for University programs and activities as well as private social and business events.
Continue reading "Renovated Facility Serves Faculty and Alumni" »
He's True Red And Blue
Jim Caswell (’63, ’66, ’70), vice president for student affairs, visited with DJ Pierce (’03) at the reception for former student leaders during Homecoming weekend. He is retiring after serving SMU for 48 years in numerous capacities.