As part of the The Second Century Campaign’s new focus on annual giving, the University has created two societies honoring SMU’s consistent yearly donors. Membership in both societies is based on a fiscal year, June 1-May 31.
President’s Associates recognizes supporters who contribute $1,000 or more to any area of the University. They provide critical support that enables SMU to fulfill its mission as a nationally recognized center for teaching and research. Members continue the legacy of donors who joined the first University president in setting a vision for SMU.
Those who have contributed for two or more years consecutively will be welcomed into the Hilltop Society, named for the celebrated crest on which SMU is built. Members receive special recognition after two, five, 10, 15 and 20 years of consecutive giving. Donors who have given for more than 20 consecutive years are charter members of the Hilltop Society.
Members of both societies will receive special communications and acknowledgement in SMU publications. They also will receive invitations to special events in Dallas and cities around the United States.
Among the Hilltop Society’s charter members are William B. “Bill” Kendrick ’54 and his wife, Patty Bell Kendrick ’52. “We’ve always been proud to support SMU because of the University’s devotion to excellence on so many fronts,” Patty says.
As long as Patty can remember, SMU has been part of her life. Her father is the late football legend Matty Bell, who coached Doak Walker to the Heisman Trophy in 1948 and directed SMU athletics until his retirement in 1964. Patty and Bill met at SMU. He majored in mechanical engineering and she majored in sociology “because I was going to change the world.” Instead, Bill changed her world with a proposal. They married in 1954. Both of their sons are SMU graduates: Scott ’81 received a degree in economics and Matt ’83 earned a psychology degree.
“We’re proud to have supported a University with such exceptional schools that provide an outstanding education,” she says. “And we’re proud to continue our support.”