Project Description
Fall 2019
$100 million gift from the Moody Foundation launches SMU’s eighth degree-granting school
SMU will take a major step forward in serving the talent and research needs of a challenging world, thanks to a landmark $100 million commitment from the Moody Foundation that will fund the University’s eighth degree-granting school – the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Moody Foundation commitment is the largest gift in SMU history.
Owen Arts Center: Transformation for innovation
The $34 million Owen Arts Center renovation, which kicked off on November 8, will improve academic spaces in the north wing for visual arts, art history and creative computation, while creating grand welcoming and accessible exterior entrances.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson to speak at December Commencement
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson will be the guest speaker at the all-University Commencement Convocation on Saturday, December 21 at 9:30 a.m. in Moody Coliseum.
Men’s soccer seniors finish SMU careers in NCAA Elite Eight
Men’s soccer seniors finish their SMU careers with 51 wins, three conference championships and three NCAA tournament berths.
End the year by contributing to a lifetime of impact
When it comes to giving, gifts of any size make a huge difference to our world changers. Be inspired by your fellow Mustangs, and make your donation by December 31. Thanks to all who have already made an impact!
A merry and bright Celebration of Lights
SMU welcomed the community to campus on December 2 to launch the holiday season.
Amping up the human factor in hot-button discussions
Professor Jill DeTemple teaches students how to take topics that drive people apart and reframe the conversation around personal experiences to promote understanding, if not agreement.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Enjoy these quick links to great stories and more about the people, programs and events making an impact on the Hilltop.
Largest alumni gift in University history transforms business education
Confetti rained and applause roared as the SMU community celebrated Carolyn L. and David B. Miller ’72, ’73 on October 18. Their historic $50 million gift to SMU will drive innovative education in SMU’s Edwin L. Cox School of Business.
Lyle engineering: High speed, high tech, high impact
Dallas entrepreneur, industry leader and educator Bobby B. Lyle ’67 builds on the farsighted generosity that named the Lyle School of Engineering 11 years ago by designating $10 million to power a new strategic vision for the school.
Save the date: Celebration of Lights, December 2
The SMU Student Foundation invites all to the Hilltop for the Celebration of Lights, beginning at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 2. Cocoa, cookies, carols and the Christmas story bring the magic and meaning of this joyous season.
Law school to launch First Amendment Clinic in fall 2020
SMU Dedman School of Law will launch a First Amendment Clinic in fall 2020, thanks to a $900,000 gift from the Stanton Foundation. The clinic will focus on free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and petition and other First Amendment issues.
Saluting those who serve on November 11
Lunch by Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe, music by the Mustang Brass Quintet, games and gratitude from all for those who serve our nation will highlight the SMU Veterans Day Celebration.
Auction on November 20 to benefit SMU-in-Taos programs
An auction of fine and decorative arts will benefit the programs supported by the Friends of SMU-in-Taos. View the catalog and bid online, or plan to attend the event at Dallas Auction Gallery.
SMU soccer’s Garrett McLaughlin among Senior CLASS Award finalists
SMU soccer forward Garrett McLaughlin is among 10 finalists fans can vote on for the prestigious Senior CLASS Award, given annually to the nation’s top senior student-athlete who excels on and off the field.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Enjoy these quick links to great stories and photos about the people, programs and events making an impact on the Hilltop.
Mickey’s wild ride
Between bobsledding and winning a seat in the Oklahoma Legislature, Mickey Dollens ’11 also experienced a boom (and bust) in the oil business and a teaching job that he loved (and lost). It has been a wild ride for someone only eight years out of SMU, but as you follow the twists and turns of his story, one thing is clear: Mickey never quits.
Moody Magic starts Homecoming Week
The magic of Mustang basketball returns to Moody Coliseum on November 5 when the men’s team plays Jacksonville State and the women’s team takes on McNeese State. Check out the men’s schedule and buy tickets; see the women’s schedule and buy tickets. Read more at SMU Athletics.
Banding together in ‘a community like no other’
For Ian Perkins-Smith ’20, music has always been a part of life. He joined the band in sixth grade and continued to play all high school, where he advanced to the role of drum major. Now an SMU senior, he’s repeating that success as drum major of the Mustang Band.
A gift from the heart to law and the arts
A planned gift to SMU by Anne R. Bromberg of Dallas honors a life filled with intellectual adventure and global exploration that she shared with her beloved husband, the late Alan R. Bromberg. He served as University Distinguished Professor of Law at SMU’s Dedman School of Law until his death in 2014. The bequest includes a $2 million endowment to establish the Anne and Alan Bromberg Chair in the Meadows School of the Arts, as well as unrestricted funds to be divided among Dedman Law, the Meadows School and the Meadows Museum. “Dr. Bromberg’s farsighted [...]
Amplifying law research and innovation
A recent $2 million gift expands the profile of SMU’s Tsai Center for Law, Science and Innovation as a leading academic platform for multidisciplinary research and scholarly debate surrounding new technologies
Conducting orchestras across the U.S.
Symphony conductor Michelle Merrill ’06, ’12 found her two great loves at SMU: her percussionist husband, Steve Merrill ’06, and a career-changing passion for orchestral music.
Driving smartphone data in new directions
Professor Brett Story and a group of Garland High School students are putting smartphone data to work to identify cracks and foundation problems in bridges that could lead to serious damage over time.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Enjoy these quick links to great photos and stories making news on the Hilltop.
‘We look forward to spending a lifetime with you.’
Opening Convocation formally welcomed new students to the Hilltop on August 25. Find out how some of these new Mustangs are already changing our world.
Mustangs play at home on Saturday, September 7
Fresh off a 37-30 victory on the road last week against Arkansas State, the Mustangs will host UNT on September 7. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. in Ford Stadium.
CIQ@SMU: The Bridge Builder Lecture Series
Sociopolitical comedian W. Kamau Bell and author Malcolm Gladwell are among the speakers bringing their unique perspectives on building bridges across the cultural divide to SMU.
Law alumna named to U.N. refugee protection post
Australian Gillian Triggs ’72 brings decades of experience as an academic, lawyer, advocate and public policy expert to her new role as assistant high commissioner for protection in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Stirling Barrett ’11 brings his creativity into plain sight
His sunglasses have been spotted on Beyoncé, Kristen Bell and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. But before Stirling Barrett created KREWE, his multimillion-dollar eyewear brand, he learned his “radical attention to detail” at the Temerlin Advertising Institute.
Building a framework for cross-border investing
New research highlights options to promote a better global investing environment for innovation, economic growth and startups of the future.
Candace Walkington on making math more meaningful
Candace Walkington, an expert in teaching math, offers tips for linking math to everyday activities, making it more interesting and relevant to learners.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
A new academic year has started, and the campus is abuzz with activity. Enjoy these links to fun photos, interesting stories and great events.
Welcoming a game changer to the Boulevard
SMU welcomes the community to celebrate the dedication of the Indoor Performance Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 6. An open house will follow, providing an opportunity for everyone who attends to tour the newest facility resource for the entire campus.
105th Opening Convocation introduces new Mustangs to the Hilltop
The newest members of the Mustang community will take part in one of our most treasured traditions on Sunday, August 25, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Honoring alumni vision, passion and service to community
Jennifer Burr Altabef ’78, ’81, Martin L. Flanagan ’82 and Scott J. McLean ’78 will be honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards, and Whitney Wolfe Herd ’11 will receive the Emerging Leader Award at the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony and dinner on November 7.
Football season is just around the corner
Mustang fans are invited to Football Fan Day on Saturday, August 17, at the Pettus Practice Field. Come out and watch the team practice, while enjoying food trucks and other family-friendly activities. The event begins at 7 p.m. and admission and parking are free.
‘Titans in a Jar’ could answer key questions ahead of NASA’s Dragonfly mission
SMU researchers could help determine if Saturn’s icy moon – Titan – has ever been home to life long before NASA completes an exploratory visit to its surface by drone helicopter.
Comprehensive study maps regional seismic faults
While quakes in North Texas have died away since 2015, researchers hope to use what they’ve learned while compiling the Fort Worth Basin fault map to explore the causes of earthquakes across the state.
Perkins’ fall convocation provides a global perspective on faith
TV host and travel author Rick Steves leads the lineup of distinguished speakers for Perkins’ annual fall convocation, “Mission Quest: Finding Your Place in God’s World,” November 11–12.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Don't miss SMU Day with the Texas Rangers on August 18, and find links to other interesting events and people making news on the Hilltop and beyond.
Finding the intersection of art, code and neuroscience
Stejara Dinulescu ’19 came to SMU as a pre-med student, but fell in love with her art classes. She found her passion for coding and neuroscience research when she added psychology and creative computation to her fine arts major. Her unique interdisciplinary interests led to her acceptance to three Ph.D. programs.
Prestigious awards fuel students’ global study and research
Siddhakshi Solanki ’20 is studying languages in Senegal as a Boren Scholarship and Gilman Scholarship recipient, and Tyler Giallanza ’21 received a Goldwater Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford. They are among the SMU students who recently earned prestigious international awards.
Following a missing link from Siberia to the Southwest
Ancient children’s teeth and adult remains found in Siberia yielded a huge archaeological discovery for a team of international researchers that includes SMU anthropologist David Meltzer. They uncovered a new Ice Age ethnic group whose DNA reveals a genetic link to Native Americans.
#PonyUpLagos: An unforgettable football experience
Young athletes with the grit, determination and heart of Mustangs made lasting impressions on the SMU football staff when they teamed up with basketball star Ejike Ugboaja’s foundation to teach some gridiron fundamentals to youth in Lagos, Nigeria.
Weighing shareholder democracy’s benefits and costs
Firms with strong corporate governance are like democracies, according Nickolay Gantche. Research by the finance professor shows that through their proposals and votes, shareholders can determine the broad direction of a company.
Ian Derrer: A singer’s journey to CEO
Ian Derrer ’96 remembers fetching coffee and chauffeuring visiting talent as a vocal performance student with an internship at The Dallas Opera. Now, as general director and chief executive officer, his responsibilities include overseeing the company’s fiscal health and steering its artistic direction.
Bringing scholars, artists and communities together
Perkins’ Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions, in collaboration with Meadows School of the Arts, will present “The Art of Resilience: Latinx Public Witness in Troubled Times,” an experiential event on September 21–22. The event is free and open to the public.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Enjoy these great videos and stories about the people and events making news on the Hilltop.
Cox honors industry veterans and rising stars
Business leaders, SMU swimming supporters and longtime friends Steven J. Lindley ’74 and Bruce Robson ’74 received Cox Distinguished Alumni Awards, and Courtney Caldwell ’00 and Ryan Dalton ’01 were honored as Outstanding Young Alumni on May 10.
Life’s hat trick is junior Thomas Hodge’s specialty
Thomas Hodges ’20 is a full-time student majoring in journalism with a sport management minor. He stays close to his family to help his mom, who is battling cancer. And he has a rigorous practice schedule as the emergency goalie for the Dallas Stars professional ice hockey team.
Leveling up cancer research with a video game
Fans streaming a recent video game tournament that raised funds for kids with cancer had a chance to help SMU researchers by playing Omega Cluster, an interactive game designed to pinpoint promising compounds to add to the chemotherapy arsenal.
Fusing art and engineering into a multidimensional education
Senior Meredith Burke ’19, ’20 is a third-generation Mustang who thrives on taking on challenges like juggling a hectic academic and extracurricular schedule. She is triple-majoring to earn bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering (ME), art and math and working toward her master’s degree in ME.
One giant leap for the mobility impaired
Step into the shoes of Ophelie Herve ’19, a mechanical engineering graduate student who recently received a prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to continue her work on prosthetic limbs that move more naturally.
Creating new opportunities for Marine vets
Military veterans aspiring to SMU’s innovative graduate education in engineering and business have a new scholarship opportunity with The Milledge A. Hart, III Scholarship Fund for Veterans of the United States Marine Corps.
Law alumni recognized for leadership and achievements
Five Dedman School of Law alumni were recognized for their leadership, achievements and contributions to their profession with Distinguished Alumni Awards, the highest honor the law school bestows upon its alumni and friends.
Accolades for energy industry game-changers
Tim Leach, Bobby B. Lyle ’67 and Cary M. Maguire were honored for their long-term impact and ethical leadership in the energy industry by the Cox School of Business.
Joining the ranks of Mustang golf legends
Sophomore Mac Meissner ’21 set a conference record on the way to claiming the individual title at the 2019 American Athletic Conference Men’s Golf Championship at the Copperhead Course in Florida.
A Texas-size impact on regional art
With a recent gift by the daughter of renowned Texas artist Jerry Bywaters, the Meadows Museum has become the largest repository of his artwork. Additional materials expand the Jerry Bywaters Collection on Art of the Southwest in Hamon Arts Library.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Enjoy these great videos and stories about the people and events making news on the Hilltop.
Celebrating 50 years as Meadows School of the Arts
“Meadows at the Winspear” on April 4 launches the 50th anniversary celebration of the naming of Meadows School of the Arts. The annual spring concert will honor The Meadows Foundation, which has supported SMU and Dallas since 1948.
Forget the prom. This 16-year-old is headed to law school.
Haley Taylor Schlitz was accepted to multiple law schools but opted to enroll at SMU Dedman School of Law. In an interview on Good Morning America, she says a “nice scholarship” and proximity to her family’s home made the choice easy.
Parents appreciate a strong community and abundant opportunities
Meet Chris ’75 and Connie ’77 O’Neill, co-chairs of the SMU Parent Leadership Council. Their son, Jack ’19, is a double major in engineering and mathematics. As they prepare for his graduation in May, the O’Neills reflect on the past four years and look forward to the future.
Honoring excellence, achievement and Mustang tradition
The Lettermen’s Association will honor four new members of the SMU Athletics Hall of Fame at the inducation ceremony and dinner on Friday, May 3. The celebration of excellence and achivement also will honor photographer Brad Bradley, 2019 Legends Award recepient.
See how our research and teaching make an impact
SMU’s data-empowered faculty and students deploy research as a force for good in a relentless quest for solutions with lasting impact. They aren’t waiting for the future; they’re making it.
How to navigate today’s multi-teaming organization
Team identity and a sense of belonging often play more pivotal roles in employee satisfaction and productivity than managers realize, according to research by Management Professor Sal Mistry.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Enjoy these great stories and videos highlighting the people and events making news on the Hilltop.
Celebrating a new home for digital explorers at SMU
SMU took a giant leap forward in the rapidly shifting digital frontier with the groundbreaking of the Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and Innovation on February 22.
One day. One SMU. What a difference we made.
Thank you for your support on SMU Giving Day. In just 24 hours, more than 3,200 world changers gave over $1.3 million to support the causes we care about. The impact of this day will be felt around the globe.
A huge win for the SMU-LIFT team and adult learners
A treasure-hunting smartphone app developed by SMU and Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT) to help low-literate adults learn to read tied for the grand prize in the competition hosted by the Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE.
Going for more gold after winning conference championship
Junior Chelsea Francis ’20 holds the SMU record in the 60-meter dash and has qualified for the 2019 NCAA Track & Field Indoor Championships, which start tomorrow in Birmingham, Alabama.
Creating a new model for transformative youth ministry
Perkins School of Theology is the recipient of a five-year, $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. for an initiative designed to strengthen congregational ministries with youth.
Shaping the multicultural leadership pipeline
Ana Rodriguez ’03, director of the Cox School of Business Latino Leadership Initiative, says she is “managerially focused and empirically driven” as she helps top companies recruit, retain and develop diverse workforces.
National award honors engineering leader and mentor
Technical accomplishments, leadership and a commitment to mentoring women pursuing engineering careers earned Professor Barbara Minsker the 2019 Margaret S. Petersen Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Psychology study aims to help people relearn how to feel good
Can psychological muscle memory training help people with anhedonia – the inability to find pleasure in any aspect of life – learn how to experience joy? Funded by a $4 million national grant, psychology researchers are launching a five-year study to find out.
The Wolves: Game, gossip and ‘atomic girl power’
The Wolves continues the close collaboration between the Meadows School of the Arts theatre program and the Dallas Theater Center. See the hit play focusing on an elite squad of female soccer warriors from March 6 through April 14 at the Studio Theatre.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Find out why there’s big excitement about the SMU Big Event on March 30, check out the fall football schedule and learn about other interesting events and people making news on the Hilltop.
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.
Latest Hart gift amplifies SMU’s impact on regional economic growth
The new Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship will build upon SMU’s existing expertise in business and engineering, create a new concept-to-prototype pipeline and provide the resources, inspiration and guidance students and faculty need to turn their business plans into viable enterprises.
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.
Laura Bush ’68 honored as 2018 Texan of the Year
Former First Lady Laura Bush ’68 was honored as the 2018 Texan of the Year for her education advocacy and “uncommon leadership” as the founder or co-founder of nonprofits and initiatives that improve the lives of women, children and families around the globe.
Three alums recognized as top young innovators by Forbes
What do eyewear entrepreneur Stirling Barrett ’11, NFL tackle and philanthropist Kelvin Beachum, Jr. ’10, ’12 and social media strategist Sana Merchant ’11 have in common? They’re SMU alums named to the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
A familiar name returns to the basketball court
SMU named the Moody Coliseum court in honor of David B. Miller ’72, ’73, alumnus and vice chair of the SMU Board of Trustees, during a halftime ceremony on December 5.
Mexico match becomes mini Mustang golf reunion
There was an SMU reunion in Mexico on December 13, when former Mustang golfers Sam Fidone ’15, Harry Higgs ’14 and Austin Smotherman’16 competed in the Go Vacaciones Cozumel Cup.
Honoring a life and legacy of service to community
The University community will join the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the annual Dallas parade on January 21 and honor his life and legacy during SMU’s Dream Week.
Remembering President George H.W. Bush
The SMU community joined the nation in mourning the loss of the 41st president of the United States, a servant leader whose life was a steadfast example of patriotism and the strongest American ideals.
Judy Woodruff to discuss personal faith in the public square
The award-winning journalist will be the guest speaker at the 2019 Bolin Family Public Life Personal Faith Scholarship Luncheon on February 8.
Hard times spark bold rethinking by retailers and consumers
A new study by marketing expert Chaoqun Chen finds that the Great Recession nudged consumers and retailers in new directions. For example, discounters are thinking smaller when it comes to new stores in city centers.
Winners of prestigious music competition to receive two-year residency at SMU
A lifelong passion for music led Martha Raley Peak ’50 to support a music fellowship in Meadows School of the Arts. Now the program will bring winners of a major international music competition to SMU for a two-year residency.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Enjoy video highlights of another amazing year at SMU and other interesting videos and stories in this roundup of the people and events making news on the Hilltop.
Fall 2019
