CAMPAIGN UPDATE | Spring 2025

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Century of legal excellence

On February 26, 2025, ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãcelebrated 100 years of legal excellence at the Dedman School of Law and honored the significant contributions of the Dedman family to the school and the University.

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ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãPresident R. Gerald Turner

From the President

ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãIgnited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow has achieved many of our goals earlier than we expected. We project that the campaign will reach its $1.5 billion goal – 50% more than our previous campaign – by the end of May, three years ahead of the original schedule.

 

Campaign quarterly report

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Jennifer Burr Altabef

Q&A: Jennifer Burr Altabef ’78, ’81 

The ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãTrustee and Dedman Law Centennial Chair describes the dynamic future of the Dedman School of Law as it enters its second century in the city of Dallas.

Image of the Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall cupola

Transforming education and human development

The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development sparks new perspectives and advances human potential thanks to generous donors who have committed more than $37 million during the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãIgnited campaign. 

Rising in the ranks to R1

ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãachieves Research One (R1) status in the Carnegie Classification, placing among the top U.S. research universities. As a comprehensive R1 university in the heart of Dallas, ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãwill attract more world-class talent to the region.

Anita Ray Arnold and Truman Arnold stand in front of the Anita and Truman Arnold Dining Commons at SMU

Blazing new paths

The contributions of Anita Ray Arnold and Truman Arnold make a positive impact on the Mustang community and across the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãcampus.

Securing the future

Planned-gift donors to ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãhave committed gifts to the University at record levels. Learn how you can leave a meaningful legacy that impacts future generations of Mustangs.  

Exploring connections between religion and culture

ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãreceived an award through Lilly Endowment’s Religion and Culture Institutions Initiative to enhance Bridwell Library and Perkins School of Theology. 

Haynes Strader speaks at an ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãevent

Building bonds of support

Haynes Strader ’11 hopes his recent gift to the John Goodwin Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs and the DiPiero Fund to support Dedman College Scholarships will create opportunities for future ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãstudents.

Carrie Teller and Andrew Teller

Reaching new heights with ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãcheer and pom

Carrie C. Teller ’02, ’21, ’25 elevates student experience through the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãSpirit Program. Additionally, she and her husband, Andrew Teller, Jr. ’86, inspire others to support the program’s growth. 

Expanding opportunities for success

The University has expanded scholarship opportunities for students transferring to SMU.

ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãnames 11th University president

Following an extensive national search, the ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãBoard of Trustees selected Jay Hartzell – a national leader in business education and real estate finance – as the next ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãpresident, effective June 1, 2025. 

New dean of humanities and sciences chosen

Janarthanan Jayawickramarajah will become the Elisabeth Martin Armstrong Dean of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. He is currently senior associate dean of academic affairs and professor of chemistry at the Tulane University School of Science and Engineering.

Cox School of Business announces new dean

Todd Milbourn, professor of finance at Washington University’s Olin Business School, will lead Edwin L. Cox School of Business and will hold the Tolleson Chair in Business Leadership.

Perkins School of Theology selects new dean

Bryan P. Stone ’92, ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãPh.D. graduate and associate dean for academic affairs at Boston University School of Theology, will be the new dean of ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãPerkins School of Theology.

Happenings on the Hilltop (and beyond)

April 10–12

Founders’ Day Weekend

May 1

Rees-Jones Library of the American West Groundbreaking

May 2

ÍæÅ¼½ã½ãIgnited Campaign Celebration

May 16–17

Class of 1975 50-Year Reunion Weekend

May 17

All-University Commencement

July 17–20

SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute