SMU Stories

SMU Stories
Stories
Read about the inspiring journeys of our students, the incredible accomplishments of our alumni, and the many ways our faculty are making a difference in their areas of research. Whether they are overcoming obstacles, achieving their goals, or making an impact on the world, we celebrate their stories.
Recent stories
SMU alum Costa Christ builds a photography legacy
Alumni
The SMU network launched Costa and Jackie Christ’s photography business, inspiring their move to fine art as well as high-profile brand partnerships.
October 27, 2025
SMU Law Dean Storey’s journals chronicle Nuremberg trial
University News
Long-forgotten diaries of former SMU law dean Robert G. Storey have found a new home at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
October 27, 2025
Arteriors founder and SMU alum Mark Moussa on life and change
Alumni
Mark Moussa ’80, founder of the Dallas- based design firm Arteriors, has built a life defined by creative ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
October 20, 2025
SMU students get their kicks with new Sneaker Law course
Alumni
Over the fall 2024 term, fashion media professor and Dedman Law graduate Jenny Davis ’95 introduced students to the $80 billion sneaker business.
October 20, 2025
Mustang Momentum
University News
Our newest leaders are driving SMU forward.
June 01, 2025
Campus dining: tasty choices across the Hilltop
Student Life
No matter your preferences, you’ll find what you’re hungry for with SMU’s dining options.
January 28, 2025
Champions of change
Student Life
Every year on SMU Giving Day, alumni and friends of the University come together to make an impact on the Hilltop. This 24-hour challenge is your chance to support the causes, projects and organizations you care about on campus.
March 05, 2024
Arath Dominguez ’25
Student Life
“I come from a family of seven, so I knew I wanted to find a university that would keep me nearby while still providing me with the opportunities I needed to succeed.”
February 09, 2024
Meet a current Mustang who transferred to SMU:
Student Life
“I transferred to SMU because I wanted to join a campus that felt like home and a community. I wanted to be a part of a university that had plenty of opportunities for all majors.”
January 22, 2024
Achieving their goals
Student Life
SMU alumns and twin brothers Esteban and Manuel Mariel have introduced Dallas to a new sport.
January 19, 2024
Honoring a legacy
Student Life
Each year, SMU celebrates the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on campus and in the wider community.
January 12, 2024
Celebrate the season
Student Life
The beginning of a new season is a great time to take care of yourself. At SMU, we care about your mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Take advantage of these resources to find what works best for you.
December 21, 2023
For the win
Student Life
It was a year of athletic achievement for Mustangs of many sports – all in all, we brought eight American Athletic Conference championships back home to the Hilltop.
December 21, 2023
Caring for the whole Mustang
Student Life
The beginning of a new season is a great time to take care of yourself. At SMU, we care about your mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Take advantage of these resources to find what works best for you.
November 09, 2023
A career for change
Student Life
Noted human rights lawyer Amal Clooney spoke to Mustangs about the power of law to change the world.
October 18, 2023
Lessons for living
Student Life
The sciences have long been a passion for both Rich and Mary – they met at Union College, a private liberal arts school in New York that they recalled felt a lot like SMU.
October 18, 2023
Normalizing kindness one coffee cup at a time
Student Life
Certainly, Francois Reihani, the 27-year-old entrepreneurial visionary behind the café chain – with 11 stores spanning Texas and California – wants customers to enjoy their sip of choice. However, it’s kindness over coffee that he and his dedicated team aim to brew from the heart.
October 18, 2023
A new era
Student Life
SMU prepares for the next chapter of athletic achievement by joining the Atlantic Coast Conference
October 18, 2023
Hungry for change
Student Life
One grad student’s invention has the power to revolutionize food waste – all from a sensor smaller than a Band-Aid
October 18, 2023
Feeding change
Student Life
During Hunger Action Month, see how the SMU community takes on food insecurity and sustainability through research – at the graduate, undergraduate and alumni levels.
September 14, 2023
Stampede to success
Student Life
Start the school year strong! We have resources, events and tips from students just like you.
August 09, 2023
Digging deep
Student Life
Kelvin Beachum ’11, ’12 is on a mission to provide clean water
July 27, 2023
Picture yourself here
Student Life
SMU engages your interests in limitless ways. While getting an excellent education, you’ll shape your future in a welcoming community that values who you are and what you bring.
July 05, 2023
Here we go, Mustangs!
Student Life
Mustangs from across campus are wrapping up their time on the Hilltop – and preparing to go change the world.
July 03, 2023
Learning by experience
Student Life
SMU students and grads shake up the workplace through dynamic internships.
June 01, 2023
Ending injustice
Student Life
How the Deason Center is helping reform a constitutional crisis across the nation
April 17, 2023
Scores of potential
Student Life
Collaboration struck a chord between music students in Meadows School of the Arts and game development students at SMU Guildhall.
April 12, 2023
Evaluate, revise and transform
Student Life
SMU plays a key role in pioneering Dr. Elba and Domingo Garcia West Dallas STEM School
April 03, 2023
Women of SMU
Student Life
In celebration of Women’s History Month, learn about the women who make our campus an enterprising, vibrant and welcoming community.
March 06, 2023
Recipe for success
Student Life
SMU alumni across the country are cooking up sweet treats and savory snacks — and using the skills they learned on campus to do it.
March 01, 2023
Harness the power
Student Life
When we came together on SMU Giving Day, we showed the world what Mustangs can do.
February 27, 2023
Supersizing Supercomputing
Student Life
NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD will fuel a transformational high-performance computing ecosystem for SMU and beyond.
February 21, 2023
Marked by history
Student Life
A historical marker honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1966 visit to campus. Learn how students — both then and now — made it happen.
February 16, 2023
Figure 34:
Anna Kurian ’08 & Benson Kurian ’07
Mustangs in love
Student Life
For some, it happened on campus during their first year. For others, it happened decades later over a shared connection. Regardless of when or how, many Mustangs have found love through their alma mater. We’ve collected a few Mustang love stories that are sure to warm your heart this Valentine’s Day.
February 08, 2023
SMU is just the beginning for Myles Boateng ’22
Student Life
Discover how Boateng forged a successful path on the Hilltop with the help of Access SMU.
December 15, 2022
Surrounding others with support
Student Life
Stuyvie Coleman ’21 seeks to bring hope and healing to students struggling with addiction and mental health. His personal quest is changing hearts and opening wallets – while saving lives.
December 08, 2022
Boulevarding tips
Student Life
SMU Giving Day | One Day to Make an Impact on the Hilltop
Student Life
We are up to the challenge for SMU Giving Day 2025! See the impact that Mustangs can make in one day in this 24-hour SMU fundraising event.
Spirit and Traditions
Student Life
See why the lyrics of our fight song still ring true – through spirit and traditions that make SMU feel like home for students, alumni and community members.
Making the most of college internships
Student Life
University News
Alumni
Research
Whether at home in Dallas or abroad, college internships and international study abroad programs prepare SMU students for a lifetime of learning.
Community theater and beyond: All the world’s a stage for these SMU alumni
Student Life
From North Texas community theater mainstay Kitchen Dog Theater to Broadway and beyond, these notable SMU alums live for the applause.
SMU-in-Taos celebrates 50 years as a satellite
Student Life
Within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the Carson National Forest, SMU-in-Taos satellite campus offers SMU students a unique experience.
SMU students with big ideas take advantage of business startup opportunities
Student Life
From note-taking apps to plant-based plastic, these SMU students and alumni take their technology business startup ideas to the next level.
Normalize Kindness
Student Life
After creating a successful poke bowl company, SMU business school alumnus Francois Reihani wanted to do something that would impact the community. So, he started La La Land Kind Café.
Join the herd
Student Life
Our spirit and tradition, diverse community and outstanding academics, arts and athletics make this the perfect place to shape your future.
Time to run wild
Student Life
We’ve officially joined the ACC! Check out these ways to celebrate, support and follow along.
Do good, give back
Student Life
Social entrepreneurship at SMU means dreaming up big solutions to the world’s challenges. See how our students, alumni and faculty are up to the task.
Here we go, Mustangs!
Student Life
Mustangs from across campus are wrapping up their time on the Hilltop – and preparing to go change the world.
Right at home
Student Life
We’re celebrating 10 years of the Residential Commons system – and taking a look at how students have made them their home.
Sounds like a good time
Student Life
Mustangs from almost every decade can recall at least one memorable concert – ranging from Bob Hope to Khalid – in Moody Coliseum or McFarlin Auditorium.
A born connector
Student Life
In the 23 years since Healy became a licensed real estate agent while studying at SMU, he’s launched and grown an independent real estate company into one of the largest in the country.
Enterprising alumni
Student Life
Originally an advertising major at SMU and an advertising professional at Tracy-Locke, Wim Bens ’00 took a chance on his “garage hobby” in 2011 and channeled his marketing expertise to take the North Texas craft beer scene to the next level.
Grads in the garden
Student Life
Sabina Carr ’89 is reaping what Mary Brinegar ’69 sewed at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Planning a trip?
Student Life
If you’re planning to take a trip to cheer on the Mustangs while on the road, take some pointers from a few of our graduates in our new ACC cities.
The Mustangs have arrived
Student Life
It’s a new era in SMU Athletics. This July, the Mustangs will officially join the Atlantic Coast Conference, meaning a whole new lineup of competitors and host cities.
SMU is coming
Student Life
Finding your place
Student Life
Whether you transfer in from community college or another four-year university, you have a home here.
More great stories
Welcome Back Mustangs 2022
Welcome Back Mustangs 2022
SMU has a diverse set of people, opportunities and experiences to help you through the school year. Explore what the Hilltop has to offer.
Ana Rodriguez ’03
Ana Rodriguez ’03
Ana Rodriguez and the SMU Cox Latino Leadership Initiative are breaking down barriers and reversing the trend for Latino leaders – one promotion at a time
Building Community
Building Community
Sharing ups and downs, finding hidden strengths, even baking together – your campus family makes you feel at home.
Busy that day
Busy that day
Send the text to your crew and have them join you for all the events happening at the Hilltop. It will be a busy fall, and we don’t want you to miss out on the fun.
Here we go, Mustangs! 2022
Here we go, Mustangs! 2022
A 19-year-old law grad with a penchant for policy and an 85-year-old film major launching a new career. These are just two of the Mustangs breaking the mold and charting their personal paths to life’s next chapter.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Hispanic Heritage Month, occurring annually from September 15 through October 15, celebrates the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. Students and organizations across campus are celebrating the importance of this holiday.
Tapping into SMU’s innovation ecosystem
Tapping into SMU’s innovation ecosystem
Tapping business plan tips, a network of mentors and serious seed funding, startup-minded students aiming to transform their bold ideas into businesses get the edge they need to succeed.
Joy of Cooking
Joy of Cooking
A new cookbook exhibit at SMU’s DeGolyer Library takes a look at history through a culinary lens. From a 276-page handwritten volume of recipes dating to 1816, to the first cookbook published in Texas, to a selection of cultural cookbooks, there is a recipe for every taste.
Luck of the draw
Luck of the draw
When they first met as SMU roommates, Jaime Noble Gassmann ’02 (on the left in the photo above) and Beth McKeon ’02 (on the right) weren’t sure they would be close friends. Flash forward to 2020, and they’re revolutionizing the startup ecosystem together.
Military alumni scholarships
Military alumni scholarships
Celebrating brave and bold Mustangs who have served our country.
Nia Kamau ’22
Nia Kamau ’22
Tower Scholar Nia Kamau ’22 spent the summer in Washington, D.C., where she interned with a nonprofit, studied economics and public policy and learned from innovative leaders helping trafficked and exploited people and communities recover and flourish.
Own your success
Own your success
Balancing rigorous academics, a rich social life and opportunities to make the world a little better can be tough. That's why SMU and our alumni take action to help students get what they want out of their college experience.
SMU alumni holiday gift list
SMU alumni holiday gift list
From products with purpose to fun-loving gift ideas and new book releases, the SMU alumni holiday gift list features some of the latest Mustang-grown items to hit the market as well as a few all-time favorites.
SMU guide to Dallas
SMU guide to Dallas
If you haven’t been out and about in Dallas for a while, some things have changed. This quick guide provides tips on where to go and what to do, including classic Mustang favorites that are ready for your return.
Hit the clubs
Hit the clubs
Building community and making friends. Exploring interests and finding passions. Developing professional skills and talents. Preparing for a career and life after graduation.
Book It
Book It
From everything in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center to all the SMU Libraries, check out the resources SMU provides and find where to explore.
The Battle of the Iron Skillet: The story behind the historic rivalry
The Battle of the Iron Skillet: The story behind the historic rivalry
One of the longest-standing and most-heated college football rivalry matchups in Texas.
Thinking inside the box
Thinking inside the box
Find out how students tackled the ultimate DIY challenge by building a “baby supercomputer” with big potential for their artificial intelligence research.
What a match!
What a match!
Let’s be honest. Sharing a dorm room with anyone is awkward at first. So how do roommates get past that and begin to bond? It usually boils down to respect.
Big idea. Big rewards. Big future.
Big idea. Big rewards. Big future.
Startup co-founder Seun Suberu ’23 arrived on campus with big ambitions for the future of his CollegePlus app. Fast forward three years, and Suberu has honed new business skills while earning more than $85,000 in funding through multiple SMU competitions designed to jump-start student-led innovation.
Narrative as Reality
Narrative as Reality
Acclaimed education advocate and NFL athlete Kelvin Beachum ’10, ’12 utilizes art as another way to bring people together to explore and understand our complex world.
Watch
Finding Her Yes
Finding Her Yes
Hannah Clark ’23 never dreamed NASA would be in her future. Now she’s completing her second stint with the space agency where she’s working on an engineering challenge for other students.
Detecting the Unseen
Detecting the Unseen
A team of SMU researchers use satellite radar imagery to reveal hundreds of unseen landslides occurring in Western U.S. states.
Neighborhoods in Focus
Neighborhoods in Focus
Researchers combined street-level investigations with SMU’s supercomputer power to reveal infrastructure deserts. Their study lays the groundwork for improving neighborhoods.
Excelling in Business
Excelling in Business
Be self-aware. Embrace unexpected opportunities. Lead with empathy. That’s just some of the great advice shared by alumni who took their SMU degrees and forged unexpected paths after leaving the Hilltop. One thing they all have in common is that they didn’t let fear get in their way. When they have a vision, Mustangs are unstoppable.
Finding Math Everywhere
Finding Math Everywhere
SMU’s Candace Walkington helps math come alive by connecting it to everyday experiences.
3 mustangs, 2 years, 1 global pandemic
3 mustangs, 2 years, 1 global pandemic
SMU undergraduate students Kelsey Hodge ’20, Nushah Rahman ’23 and Alexandra Savu ’23 walk us through their first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic in a short film by Alexa May ’23. They navigate a campus-wide shutdown, dramatic shifts in religious and social life, cries for racial justice and an uncertain future. Despite the challenges, their stories offer a collective voice of hope as we look forward to a new year on campus.
WATCH
Entrepreneurial brothers go “all in”
Entrepreneurial brothers go “all in”
Brothers and SMU alumni Stuart Edenfield ’07 and Curtis Edenfield ’09 envisioned a life of entrepreneurship after the Hilltop. After a decade of working for others in the world of aviation, they founded private jet charter company Thrive Aviation in 2018.
Continuing the legacy of empowerment
Continuing the legacy of empowerment
Hispanic Alumni of SMU Board has raised more than $250,000 in scholarship funds that do more than help cover the cost of tuition.
Lab on a chip
Lab on a chip
SMU researchers put the COVID-19 pandemic to work as a proving ground for a fast, accurate and affordable immune response test. Lead researchers Ali Beskok and J.-C. Chiao, professors in the Lyle School of Engineering, are seeking funding to fully develop the potential of their breakthrough test.
Welcome back Mustangs
Welcome back Mustangs
Mustangs make the Hilltop special. Fall 2021 promises to deliver on that truth as students, faculty and staff return to a more traditional campus experience.
Stoking the fires of change
Stoking the fires of change
Photojournalist Stuart Palley ’11 experiences wildfires in the moment. SMU researcher Chris Roos looks at them through the long lens of archaeology. Ultimately, their perspectives are the same: Wildfires are getting worse, and there’s an urgent need to adopt coexistence strategies.
Here We Go, Mustangs! 2021
Here We Go, Mustangs! 2021
Our students perfected the pivot while earning degrees. Now they're ready to use their know-how to do a world of good. Click on their photos below to learn about some of our stellar grads.
Art as Activism
Art as Activism
SMU theatre students share their reflections on the lingering impact of their performances on their art and in their lives.
Common Connections
Common Connections
For their first two years at SMU, our students live on campus in 11 Residential Commons where they often learn as much about themselves as they do about one another.
A Witness to History
A Witness to History
NBC News and MSNBC correspondent Garrett Haake ’07 lives by the advice he learned from an SMU faculty mentor – stay packed, and don’t make any dinner plans that can’t be canceled.
Prepared to Lead
Prepared to Lead
Ana Rodriguez and the SMU Cox Latino Leadership Initiative are breaking down barriers and reversing the trend for Latino leaders – one promotion at a time.
Welcome Mustangs
Welcome Mustangs
There’s no doubt that the pandemic has changed how we live, learn, work and teach. We’ve been working hard across campus to welcome our new and continuing Mustangs this fall!
Finding Your Place
Finding Your Place
Kaitlyn Contreras, '20 was the first in her family to go to college. Find out how she found her place at SMU.
Tom & Chance Buning ‘20
Tom & Chance Buning ‘20
Father-and-son graduates Tom Buning ’20 and Chance Buning ’20 have great memories from their shared time as students at SMU.
Here We Go, Mustangs!
Here We Go, Mustangs!
They’ve put in the hard work, and now the Class of 2019 is ready for life’s next big adventure.
Mickey's Wild Ride
Mickey's Wild Ride
From bobsledding to the Oklahoma State Legislature, Mickey Dollens ’11 never quits.
From Honduras to Texas, With Love.
From Honduras to Texas, With Love.
Teaching Innovation
Teaching Innovation
SMU professors bring innovative tools and techniques to wherever the students are. And it only starts in the classroom.
Conquering the Divide
Conquering the Divide
SMU researchers hope their work will help cities make more equitable choices for residents of neighborhoods like Dallas' Vickery Meadow.
Cooking Up Something Good
Cooking Up Something Good
SMU first-year student Sarah Tersigni spoons a tiny piece of eggshell from the four eggs she's cracked into a glass bowl. She's making the filling for the lemon squares that she will serve later to fellow students in her residence hall.
Here We Go Mustangs '20
Here We Go Mustangs '20
The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything this semester, but couldn’t stop our 2020 grads. They pivoted to remote classes and continued to learn, create and achieve.
“SMU allowed me to try so many new things and supported my intellectual curiosity. Looking back, it is really cool to see all that I have accomplished.”
“SMU allowed me to try so many new things and supported my intellectual curiosity. Looking back, it is really cool to see all that I have accomplished.”
Monica Lee '20
Seamonsters Unearthed
Seamonsters Unearthed
What happens on earth when you put an ocean where there wasn’t one before?
Shear Genius
Shear Genius
SMU alum Courtney Caldwell ’00 and her husband, Tye, are shaking up the salon industry with ShearShare, a mobile B2B platform shaped for the gig economy.
Speaking Up
Speaking Up
Hallie Hovey-Murray ’16 brings a fresh voice to autism advocacy.
First in her family, Kaitlyn Contreras finds her place
First in her family, Kaitlyn Contreras finds her place
Finding Your Path at SMU
Finding Your Path at SMU
Wired For Good
Wired For Good
See three SMU teams tapping technology to change lives.
Watch
On the Fly
On the Fly
SMU engineers set up an innovative lab for drone study.
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