The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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SMU celebrates Founders’ Day

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Christopher Saul / The Daily Campus
Chairs, tents and decorations have been filling up Dallas Hall lawn since Wednesday, when preparations for the Founders’ Day celebration began.

Chairs, tents and decorations have been filling up Dallas Hall lawn since Wednesday, when preparations for the Founders’ Day celebration began. (Christopher Saul / The Daily Campus)

Three years ago, SMU President R. Gerald Turner and the administration created Founders’ Day Weekend to serve as a new “Springtime Homecoming.”

Kent Best, executive director of news and communications, said that it is the university’s hope to bring the campus together to enjoy thought-provoking activities.

Founders’ Day is a celebration of SMU’s history as well as its future. Furthermore, it is a time when parents and alumni can reconnect with the university and attend events such as Program Council’s Sing-Song, Meadows wind ensemble and open house and the Mustang Fan Fair.

This Third Annual Founders’ Day Celebration includes the historic welcoming of the George W. Bush Presidential Library to the campus.

This weekend’s events kicked off Thursday with the Golden Mustang Reunion, where SMU hosted the alumni classes of 1962 and earlier.

The Centennial Celebration held at the Main Quadrangle will take place today at 11 a.m.

President Turner and the SMU Board of Trustees are hosting this event which is open to SMU alumni, students, faculty and staff.Those who did not register online will be admitted with a SMU ID.

Among the notable attendees are George W. Bush Foundation President Mark Langdale and George W. Bush Library and Museum Director Alan Lowe.

Earlier this semester, Student Senate created the 100 Letters Campaign for students to write letters of gratitude and welcome for the Bush family.

Those students whose letters were selected received preferred seating for the ceremony. This event will feature the presentation of the 100 Letters in a leather-bound book.

Jack’s Burger Truck from Jack in the Box will also be giving away free burgers from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday to join in the Founders’ Day celebration.

Following this event, the SMU Faculty Senate is hosting “Picnic with the Profs.” Walk-up guests will be welcomed first come, first served at noon on Clements Hall lawn.

On Friday night, President Turner will hold a briefing for SMU alumni and donors in the Centennial Hall. He will give highlights of the past year and plans for the next.

This weekend’s events that honor SMU’s history will help usher in next week’s events that come with the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library, on Thursday April 25. 

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