“We really worked hard and we were excited about the possibility, but the committee that the president had appointed pretty much indicated what the decision was and that was for it to go to SMU. We were very disappointed that it didn’t work out for Baylor, but we wish SMU great success.”

Drayton McLane, chairman of Baylor University’s library steering committee

“Congratulations to the Bush Library Foundation for choosing a site that will help to insure that the Bush Library will continue to be a vibrant, living institution for many years to come. And congratulations to SMU for accepting and supporting a rich and exciting resource for scholars, students, and the community at large.”

Betty Sue Flowers, Director of the LBJ Library and Museum at UT-Austin

“The historical archives, artifacts and programs of the Center will be a major addition to the educational and cultural resources of our city, serving our residents, attracting visitors from throughout the world and strengthening our economy.”

Tom Leppert, Mayor of Dallas

“Our residents will be among the few nationwide to have the honor of a presidential library in their neighborhood, bringing history to life as it touches their lives. This is an exciting day for us all.”

Blackie Holmes, Mayor of University Park

“We will benefit in special ways from the collections, programs and dialogue on the major issues of our time. As our community prepares young leaders for our nation, they will have ready access to the records of leadership during a unique era in U.S. history.”

William D. White, Mayor of Highland Park

“The Bush Presidential Center will make SMU even more of a living laboratory for examining ideas and their impact on societal challenges.”

Paul Ludden, SMU Provost

“I am especially excited about the interactions, conversations and knowledge that current and future SMU students will have in association with the Bush Library.”

Katherine Tullos, SMU student body president