Southern Methodist University

Crimson and blue. These two colors whisper tales of ambition at Southern Methodist University. They echo the vision of its first president, Robert S. Hyer, who, inspired by the Ivy League, chose these hues to represent the high aspirations of this Texas institution. Southern Methodist University stands as a testament to a city’s determination and a church’s vision. In 1911, Dallas civic leaders, eager for a prestigious university, partnered with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to bring SMU to life. Originally slated for Fort Worth, Dallas’s persistent Chamber of Commerce successfully lobbied to secure the university’s location, forever shaping the city’s landscape and intellectual future. Dallas Hall, the university’s first building and enduring symbol, stands as a tribute to this pivotal moment. Designed to resemble the University of Virginia’s Rotunda, Dallas Hall initially housed the entire university, a bank, and even a barbershop. Southern Methodist University’s journey hasn’t been without its trials. The football program’s meteoric rise in the 1980s, culminating in top 10 national rankings, came to a crashing halt in 1987. The NCAA’s “death penalty,” imposed due to recruiting violations, silenced the Mustangs for two seasons, a stark reminder of the delicate balance between ambition and integrity. Yet, from these ashes, SMU has risen. The university boasts a thriving campus, innovative programs like the Deason Innovation Gym, a 24/7 makerspace for budding entrepreneurs, and the prestigious George W. Bush Presidential Center. And lest we forget the vibrant student life, with traditions like the Celebration of Lights and PerunaPalooza, not to mention Peruna, the Shetland pony mascot leading the football team onto the field. Southern Methodist University’s story continues to unfold, woven with threads of ambition, resilience, and a commitment to truth, as embodied in its motto, “Veritas liberabit vos” – “The truth will make you free.”