Ahhh ... if only we were rich too. SMU's record $100 million raised in 1 week was just the beginning. They added $59 million .... I have no idea how this will translate to the playing field or court. But this is a nice foundation, and impressively just scratching the surface of what they could do.
I hope they CRUSH their out-of-conference slates. Their conference slate seems do-able. They play BC, Cal, Pitt, and Florida State at home. On the road they play us, Duke, Stanford and Virginia.
SMU Athletics Celebrates Record-Breaking Fundraising Year Heading Into The ACC
Jun 18
Story Links
DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU Athletics Department is thrilled to announce a historic milestone in its fundraising efforts, raising a record-breaking $159 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This unprecedented achievement underscores the unwavering support and commitment of the SMU community, alumni, and supporters towards advancing the university's athletic programs.
This landmark fundraising year was punctuated by an unprecedented $100 million donated in just seven days following the September 1 announcement that SMU would be joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on July 1, 2024. These transformative gifts came from the newly formed First Week Society, a collection of 30 individuals whose generosity launched a $125 million campaign to support the department's transition to the ACC.
Additionally, fundraising success was highlighted by a record number of principal and major gifts, as well as a record number of Mustang Club members.
Fundraising success was punctuated by:
A record 4 eight-figure gifts
A record 35 seven-figure gifts
A record 82 six-figure gifts
Capital Support: A substantial portion of the funds will be dedicated to the Weber End Zone Complex, SMU's 192,500 square foot football operations center and club space set to open for the 2024 football season
ACC Competitiveness Campaign: Following the First Week Society's $100 million, SMU launched a $25 million campaign with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the department's transition to the ACC.
A record 4,831 Mustang Club members
I hope they CRUSH their out-of-conference slates. Their conference slate seems do-able. They play BC, Cal, Pitt, and Florida State at home. On the road they play us, Duke, Stanford and Virginia.
SMU Athletics Celebrates Record-Breaking Fundraising Year Heading Into The ACC
Jun 18
Story Links
DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU Athletics Department is thrilled to announce a historic milestone in its fundraising efforts, raising a record-breaking $159 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This unprecedented achievement underscores the unwavering support and commitment of the SMU community, alumni, and supporters towards advancing the university's athletic programs.
This landmark fundraising year was punctuated by an unprecedented $100 million donated in just seven days following the September 1 announcement that SMU would be joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on July 1, 2024. These transformative gifts came from the newly formed First Week Society, a collection of 30 individuals whose generosity launched a $125 million campaign to support the department's transition to the ACC.
Additionally, fundraising success was highlighted by a record number of principal and major gifts, as well as a record number of Mustang Club members.
Fundraising success was punctuated by:
A record 4 eight-figure gifts
A record 35 seven-figure gifts
A record 82 six-figure gifts
Capital Support: A substantial portion of the funds will be dedicated to the Weber End Zone Complex, SMU's 192,500 square foot football operations center and club space set to open for the 2024 football season
ACC Competitiveness Campaign: Following the First Week Society's $100 million, SMU launched a $25 million campaign with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the department's transition to the ACC.
A record 4,831 Mustang Club members
