Celebration abounded as the SMU trustee Gerald J. Ford announced the centennial campaign’s record-breaking commitments at the first board of trustee meeting of the school year. The campaign has raised $560 million as of Aug. 31, an amount that exceeds any of SMU’s prior campaigns.

This campaign will help fund the creation of several new additions to campus. The school plans to build a Centennial Promenade along Ownby Drive, an expansion of Moody Coliseum, a new residential commons, a new Mustang Band Hall and a new tennis complex.

Dedman College Dean William Tsutsui presented his new strategic plan for Dedman College at the meeting.

His plan includes measure to strengthen graduate programs through increased financial packages, increase full-time faculty, increase funding for research and have undergraduates complete “engaged learning” projects. These projects will take students out of the classroom to apply their book knowledge to real-life situations.

Paul Ludden, the provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced two recently filled positions.

Susan Kress, the current director of education abroad, accept

ed the position of director of engaged learning, a new position that is a part of SMU’s quality enhancement plan. Wes Waggoner accepted the position of new dean of undergraduate admission.

The September meeting also approved the new Human Rights major.

“It is a fairly unique program,” President R. Gerald Turner said. “It politically expands the spectrum of our school.”

Turner also believes the program will coincide nicely with the Bush Institute and some of the archives they will offer there.

During the meeting, the board received a tour of Centennial Hall. Turner shared that the new addition to campus received over 900 visitors over Family Weekend.