SMU students, faculty and community members gathered on campus to celebrate the grand opening of the Crain Family Centennial Promenade and the end of the Second Century Campaign April 15.
Under red-and-blue balloon arches, President R. Gerald Turner, Bobby B. Lyle Centennial Chair Duncan MacFarlane, Chair of the SMU Board of Trustees Mike Boone among others spoke about the milestones made with the Second Century Campaign and the future of the university before officially opening the Crain Family Centennial Promenade.
According to Turner, 183 individuals and organizations committed $1 million and more to the Second Century Campaign and nearly 11,000 pavers gave $100 to the Crain Family Centennial Promenade. He said SMU looks to the future to build on “our history and our founders and our supporters.”
"We also look to the future. To build on our history and our founders and our supporters – you" -President R. Gerald Turner
— The Daily Campus (@thedailycampus) April 15, 2016
MacFarlane followed Turner, offering perspective on the impact the Second Century Campaign has provided to the university.
“My position is one of 54 new endowed positions created thanks to this campaign,” MacFarlane said.
He also spoke about celebrating the Second Century Campaign donors on this occasion before handing the floor to Boone.
"When you celebrate the next company… out of SMU, join me in celebrating the donors that help light the fire beneath them." -MacFarlane
— The Daily Campus (@thedailycampus) April 15, 2016
Boone closed the speech after reminding audience members the university plans to continue improving and striving for excellence.
“Our rallying call of ‘Pony Up’ should always serve to remind us…that SMU’s greatest days are before us,” Boone said.
"Our rallying call of 'pony up' should always serve to remind us… that SMU's greatest days are before us." -Mike Boone, chair of BOT
— The Daily Campus (@thedailycampus) April 15, 2016
To end the night, Turner, MacFarlane, Boone and other distinguished SMU leaders stood together as they opened the Crain Family Centennial Promenade after a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
The Crain Family Centennial Promenade is officially open! pic.twitter.com/bHGNdwEqK6
— The Daily Campus (@thedailycampus) April 15, 2016
One hundred pounds of biodegradable confetti exploded from 10 confetti cannons and 10 blowers while the Mustang Band played “Shut Up and Dance With Me” by Walk The Moon to commemorate the dual occasion.
.@SMU_MustangBand helping celebrate the end of the Second Century Campaign. pic.twitter.com/qseEbDODj5
— The Daily Campus (@thedailycampus) April 15, 2016
