In search for the “next best thing” to sell in herstore, McCartney’s University Spirit, co-owner CarolynMcCartney is constantly on the phone, placing or checking orders.But aside from business relations, the store’s connection tothe SMU campus is also important to McCartney.
McCartney is one of 30 members of her family to attend SMU. As astudent from 1973 until 1977, she attended the university with fiveof her cousins.
“It’s just a lot of family orientation through thedecades that’s led us to really believe in SMU and besupportive of SMU,” McCartney said. “Since the year SMUwas opened, we’ve had family members every decade.”
McCartney’s University Spirit, located at 6403 HillcrestAvenue, was passed on to the children after Bill McCartney,Carolyn’s father, started the business in 1971.
After serving in World War II and returning to complete hiseducation at SMU in 1948, McCartney began working for the BalfourCompany in the SMU Bookstore, originally located in the Umphrey LeeStudent Center. As a collegiate representative, he maintained anoffice in the bookstore, selling class rings and fraternity andsorority gift items.
In 1971, he began producing his own line of collegiate products,which evolved into what is now McCartney’s UniversitySpirit.
Carolyn McCartney not only manages the store, but she co-ownsMcCartney’s Inc. with her four siblings.
Tradition is important in the McCartney family. In addition toattending SMU, her family’s involvement with greekorganizations has helped her make a connection with students andincrease her business. Currently, 80 percent of McCartney’semployees are SMU students.
“I enjoy hearing all about the activities of SMU,”McCartney said. “Because most of my employees are insororities, I get a lot of inside information that actually helpsmy business. [I know] what’s going on in sororities, whatitems are popular and what greek life is like now at SMU. So thatattachment really helps my business,” McCartney said.
To her employees, working with McCartney is much more than abusiness connection.
Ashley Bratcher, former SMU student and McCartney’semployee, said, “Carolyn was my second mom at work, likeMommy-the-boss. She’s always there to hug you and talk to youwhen everything else in your life seems like crap.”
Growing up in nearby Greenville, Texas, it was easy for theMcCartney children to remain connected to SMU, but their intensefamily ties are what led them to attend the university.
Another source of pride for McCartney is the dedication ofMcFarlin Auditorium, which was named after her great, great, greatgrandparent, Robert M. McFarlin.
Her family connections should continue to grow with her niece,who is applying to attend SMU next semester.
“I know our family will always be very strongly related toSMU,” McCartney said. “That’ll be great [for myniece to attend]. Another generation hitting the boulevard,”McCartney said.
