SMU's Second Century Campaign: The Drive For Excellence

Back in April 2002, Southern Methodist University (SMU) concluded its A Time to Lead campaign, securing a record-breaking $542 million from more than 40,000 donors across the world. They exceeded their original target by $242 million, making the drive a success.

Image source: smu.edu

Fifty-eight percent of the collected amount was allotted for academic programs, positions and facilities, 25 percent for the improvement of the campus and student life programs, while the remaining 17 percent for athletics amenities and programs. The campaign provided a better campus for the students, the faculty, and staff.

Come 2008, the Board of Trustees initiated another campaign, with the intent of improving the quality of the university, faculty, academic performance, and the overall campus experience. The drive was named SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign.

The goal was to raise a total amount of $750 million through donations. Seven years past and the astounding support from alumni, friends, partners, and students produced a total of $1.15 billion in commitments, the largest campaign receivables in the history of Texas private colleges and universities.

Image source: wikimedia.org

John Kleinheinz, whose daughter graduated from SMU Meadows School of the Arts in 2012, made a sizeable contribution of $1.5 million, which was specifically endowed to the chair of Meadows’ Department of Art History.

Global finance and investment expert and hedge fund superstar John Kleinheinz is an avid philanthropist who, together with his family, gives back in the area of arts and education. For more information about him, visit this website.