February 2019
Primed for data-driven innovation
Dallas made Amazon’s shortlist of potential locations for its second headquarters. With the University's investment in supercomputing infrastructure and data-driven research, SMU is ready to take advantage of new opportunities and ambitious challenges.
Breaking ground on a new home for digital explorers
The University community is invited to attend the groundbreaking for the Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and Innovation at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, February 22, at the site of the new facility on the corner of McFarlin Boulevard and Airline Road.
Alumna begins historic bar association presidency
Trial attorney Laura Benitez Geisler ’97 made history on January 12 when she was sworn in as the 110th Dallas Bar Association president, becoming the first Hispanic member to lead the organization.
Teasing out history’s big picture with digital tools
Jo Guldi injected technology into her love of history to write one of the most influential books of the past 20 years. She’s teaching students to apply big data search tools to giant topics like inequality, capitalism and climate change.
Register for the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute, July 18–21
Take a deep dive into presidential history, innovation in the digital age and other fascinating topics while enjoying the beauty and serenity of SMU’s distinctive mountain campus in New Mexico.
Jim Lehrer to receive Literati Award on March 30
The distinguished journalist and author will receive the prestigious award from SMU at Tables of Content, presented by Friends of the SMU Libraries to support its annual grants program.
Programmed for the data-driven future
Vince Miller, a second-year graduate student, chose the Applied Statistics and Data Analytics (MASDA) program in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences because he was looking for “a top tier education.” After his first year at SMU, a data scientist internship at Capital One turned into a full-time career. He’ll be working for the bank after graduating in the fall.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Listen to Facebook’s new podcast featuring alum Blake Mycoskie ’99, find information about Howard Schultz’s Tate Lecture on March 5 and enjoy more interesting stories in this roundup of the people and events making news on the Hilltop.
Critics applaud year’s best performances
“Defiantly smart” acting, “stunning original music” and “profound choreography” were just a few of the accolades Meadows alumni, students and faculty recently received from multiple TheaterJones.com critics in their “Best of 2018” roundups highlighting outstanding work by Dallas-area performing artists.