Expectations were high, and the Mustangs came through in the  58-14 blowout against Stephen F. Austin University on September 2. The “Salute To Our Heroes” season opener paid tribute to all active military service members and veterans.

As new students settled into their on-campus homes, Matthew Desmond’s Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City inspired poetry, research and soul-searching about the meaning of home and the impact of its loss in programs presented by SMU Reads.

Families from across the country will join their SMU students in celebrating Family Weekend, September 22–24, when the Student Foundation presents “Wild About SMU.” The family luncheon, annual student talent show and Boulevard barbecue before the SMU vs. Arkansas State football game are just a few of the can’t-miss events planned.

Reflecting their passion for connecting the arts to the community through public spaces, Gene and Jerry Jones have committed $5 million to transform the east entrance to SMU’s Owen Arts Center along Bishop Boulevard.

Antoine Mellon ’19 spent the summer in Bolivia, rehabilitating wild animals rescued from trafficking. He says it was an “unforgettable” experience. “Never before had I met such an open group of people, all with a common love of animals and volunteering.”

Paul Krueger, mechanical engineering professor, provided expertise in jet locomotion on a research project studying squids’ impressive maneuverability. A greater grasp on its biomechanics may have wide-ranging applications – from understanding muscle physiology to improving remotely operated vehicles.