Founders’ Day Weekend is SMU’s biggest annual celebration of community and tradition. From Thursday, April 9 through Monday, April 13, alumni, students, faculty, families, and friends come together for five days of connection, programming, performance, and Mustang pride. This year’s event is expanded, reimagined, and built around one idea: there is no better time to come back.
Registration is open for several key events, including the Golden Mustangs Lunch, Shared Stories alumni panel, 51ԹSpeed Networking, Founders’ Day Weekend Happy Hour, and the Alumni Entrepreneur Summit. Visit each event’s page for details and registration links.
Friday, April 10
3:00–4:00 p.m. • Hughes-Trigg Student Center Forum
Mustangs from across the decades take the stage to share stories, moments, and the common thread of what it means to be part of this university. Open to all. Registration is open.
Friday, April 10
6:00–8:00 p.m. • Martha Proctor Mack Ballroom, Umphrey Lee Center
Light bites, great conversation, and Mustang spirit in one of SMU’s most beautiful spaces. The social centerpiece of the weekend for alumni. Registration is open.
Friday, April 10
4:00–5:30 p.m. • Gallery 1911, Hughes-Trigg Student Center
Fast-paced, structured, and genuinely useful. Make meaningful connections with alumni, students, and prospective students through rotating prompts designed to spark real conversation.
Saturday, April 11
8:30 a.m.–Noon • 51ԹCox School of Business
Alumni-led panels, an Alumni Pitch Showcase, and an athletics-focused innovation session in partnership with the 1911 Group. Whether you’re building, investing, or just looking for inspiration, this is the room.
Scan the weekend by day, then jump into the full schedule when you are ready to plan details.
April 9
Kick off the weekend with Peruna’s birthday celebration, plus the 51ԹSenior Donor Toast, an invitation-only gathering for senior donors and young alumni donors who have made a gift this fiscal year.
View Thursday Schedule →April 10
Admitted student programming, Golden Mustangs Lunch, alumni stories, speed networking, and a festive happy hour to end the day.
View Friday Schedule →April 11
Alumni Entrepreneur Summit, women’s soccer, tennis, Spring Dance Concert, Party on the Plaza, and the Signature Concert featuring it’s murph.
View Saturday Schedule →April 12
Student Group Showcase, Dedman College Admitted Student Reception, Greek Preview, Spring Dance Concert, Ragtime, and tennis.
View Sunday Schedule →April 13
Destination 51Թwraps up the weekend with an all-day admissions experience for admitted students and families.
View Monday Schedule →Admitted students: Admitted Students Day and Lyle Admitted Students Day registration is now available. Plan your visit and see 51Թup close.
Register NowThursday, April 9 • 1:00–4:00 p.m. • Dallas Hall Lawn
Come celebrate Peruna’s birthday on Dallas Hall Lawn at the heart of SMU’s campus. Enjoy games, rides and activities as well as free carnival-inspired food. No registration required.
View DetailsFriday, April 10 • 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Miller Boulevard Ballroom, Indoor Performance Center
51Թalumni from the Classes of 1965 and earlier are invited to reconnect over lunch and celebrate the legacy, friendships, and spirit of the Golden Mustangs community.
View DetailsSaturday, April 11 • 6:30–8:30 p.m. • Moody Coliseum Plaza
Start your Saturday night at the Signature Concert pre-party with free food, a cash bar, music, and festive vibes before heading inside for the main event. Free and open to all.
View DetailsSaturday, April 11 • 7:00–11:00 p.m. • Moody Coliseum
Join us for an exciting evening of live music and campus celebration. Student performers will take the stage before headliner it’s murph brings the energy to Moody Coliseum. Admission is free.
View DetailsSunday, April 12 • 3:00–5:00 p.m. • Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballrooms
Stop by to meet members of SMU’s 25 social fraternities and sororities and learn more about Greek involvement on campus. This is a come and go event.
View DetailsSaturday, April 11 • 8:30 a.m.–Noon • 51ԹCox School of Business
Alumni-led panels, an Alumni Pitch Showcase, and an athletics-focused innovation session in partnership with the 1911 Group. Registration is now open.
View DetailsRegistration is open for key alumni events and spots in popular sessions are limited. Don’t wait until the week of the event to plan your weekend.