CAMPAIGN UPDATE | Spring 2025

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Century of legal excellence

On February 26, 2025, 51勛圖厙celebrated 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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51勛圖厙President R. Gerald Turner

From the President

51勛圖厙Ignited: 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 51勛圖厙Trustee 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 51勛圖厙Ignited campaign. 

Rising in the ranks to R1

51勛圖厙achieves 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, 51勛圖厙will 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 51勛圖厙campus.

Securing the future

Planned-gift donors to 51勛圖厙have 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

51勛圖厙received an award through Lilly Endowments Religion and Culture Institutions Initiative to enhance Bridwell Library and Perkins School of Theology. 

Haynes Strader speaks at an 51勛圖厙event

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 51勛圖厙students.

Carrie Teller and Andrew Teller

Reaching new heights with 51勛圖厙cheer and pom

Carrie C. Teller ’02, ’21, ’25 elevates student experience through the 51勛圖厙Spirit 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.

51勛圖厙names 11th University president

Following an extensive national search, the 51勛圖厙Board of Trustees selected Jay Hartzell – a national leader in business education and real estate finance – as the next 51勛圖厙president, 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, 51勛圖厙Ph.D. graduate and associate dean for academic affairs at Boston University School of Theology, will be the new dean of 51勛圖厙Perkins School of Theology.

Happenings on the Hilltop (and beyond)

April 1012

Founders Day Weekend

May 1

Rees-Jones Library of the American West Groundbreaking

May 2

51勛圖厙Ignited Campaign Celebration

May 1617

Class of 1975 50-Year Reunion Weekend

May 17

All-University Commencement

July 1720

SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute