Light up fountains, statues and commemorative building names decorate the Hilltop, proving SMU perpetually thoughtful with the construction of its facilities.

The Mustang football program takes after this SMU tradition this summer, as the football coaching staff wades through dust as their offices undergo a $250,000 renovation. The reason for this renovation, according to reports on smumustangs.com, is to commemorate a Mustang celebrity, Jerry LeVias.

LeVias was the first African-American scholarship recipient in the Southwest Conference. Although only 5-foot-7, LeVias made his presence known during his time at SMU in many ways on and off the football field, and continues to be an important member of the SMU alumni network.

Most commonly known for his team building character, LeVias is well-known for leading SMU to its first appearance at the Cotton Bowl in nearly 20 years. After his college career concluded, LeVias played for the Houston Oilers followed by three seasons with the San Diego Chargers.

More recently, LeVias was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the National College Football Hall of Fame. SMU is now doing its part to commemorate the influential athlete.

The coaching department has relocated its offices to the second floor of the Lloyd Building, and the reception area will now be re-named in LeVias’ honor. In addition to the reception area, head football coach June Jones has also announced that he has chosen rising sophomore Chris Banjo to wear jersey number 23 in honor of LeVias, and to credit the hard work Banjo has shown.

“Wearing the number 23 is such an honor because of what Mr. LeVias represented,” Banjo said. “He was such a humble, determined and courageous guy who excelled at everything he did.”

All these additions and recognitions have been made possible by Cox School of Business alumnus and Mustang Club member Bill Sams, class of 1960.