As we begin the Fall 2023 term at Perkins School of Theology, I want to remind you that our Development office continually works to facilitate gifts to Perkins that benefit the important ministry of education.
My assistant, Rose Burns, and I are laser-focused to find sources for funds to aid the development of Perkins. Much of our attention is on raising money for scholarships so that our students do not incur insurmountable debt as they finish their various degrees. We continue to make strides in raising scholarship dollars. Generous donors make this mission possible, and you can be involved in this important work in many ways.
- Each year, Perkins holds three Faith and Business Luncheons. The first on this year will take place Monday, Sept. 18 and features Mr. David McAtee, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel for AT&T. David is an outstanding Christian layman. He will be sharing his story in an interview format. The luncheon is free and open to all by reservation. To make a reservation click here. Be on the lookout for future announcements about the January and April luncheons.
- Our annual spring Scholarship Luncheon will take place March 19, 2024, and will feature Mr. Clark Hunt, a member of the SMU Board of Trustees and Chairman and CEO of the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs. Details of how you can secure a seat for yourself or, even better, sponsor a table for you and your guests will be available soon. The event will take place on the SMU campus in the Martha Proctor Mack Ballroom.
- This fall, the final installation of the Caren and Vin Prothro Organ is being accomplished. The organ is a historic E. M. Skinner organ built in 1917 and totally refurbished for Perkins Chapel. Our organist professors tell me that it is a perfect size and sound for our Chapel. A dedicatory concert will take place in the early spring on a yet-to-be-determined date. It will be in service for the Lessons and Carols of Christmas at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. Watch for an announcement of that important and well-attended event. We have many to thank for this instrument … not the least of which are Bill and Gay Solomon, who gave the lead gift so the purchase in rebuilding could be made. Gay is a member of the Perkins Executive Board. For information about the organ, click here.
- Two important committees will each meet twice this year. The Perkins Campaign Steering Committee convenes on the morning of October 4 and again on March 8, 2024. As of this month, the Perkins Campaign has raised almost $31.5 million. We expect that total to increase significantly during the course of this year.
The other important committee is the Perkins Executive Board, a group of individuals who care deeply about Perkins’ mission and its students, faculty and staff. For information about the Executive Board, click here. I will be introducing you to the Executive board members in a future article.
Next month I will introduce you to this year’s Perkins Scholars and Baugh Scholars. Remember, every scholarship dollar is important. Don’t forget about the Perkins giving page or, if you would rather reach out and talk, here is our information:
Perkins Office of Development
PO Box 750133
Dallas, TX 75275-0133
John A. Martin, Director of Development
214.768.2026
(cell) 585.230.3036
johnma@smu.edu
Rose Burns, Advancement Associate
214.768.3688
maburns@smu.edu