Opening the front door to stronger spirit
I would like to welcome you, my fellow students, to SMU for the 2002-2003 school year. It is an exciting time to be here. While the spirit of our university remains strong, there have been many changes over the summer.
This past Wednesday, the beautiful, three-story, 53,680-square-foot Jerry R. Junkins Electrical Engineering Building was dedicated. Through the Junkins building, SMU honors the memory of Jerry R. Junkins, the late chairman, president, and CEO of Texas Instruments, Inc. The Junkins Building is a state-of-the-art facility, and I hope that each of you are as excited as I am about the addition of yet another wonderful resource on our campus.
For those of you who have been on the east side of campus, you may have noticed the start of another project to improve our campus. The future “front door” of the University – the Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building – is under construction and set to be completed by fall 2003. This building is great news for students as it will serve as a permanent “one-stop shop” housing everything from student account services to computer support.
Since 1990, thousands of students have chosen to get a head start on their collegiate experience by attending Mustang Corral. Credit is due to the Office of New Student Programs as they held the largest Mustang Corral ever, located at three separate camps and involving over 600 incoming first-years. While I was at Corral, I met many first-year students and am convinced that this class is truly remarkable.
In what I am sure will prove to be one of the most influential changes in our campus culture, we have a football program under new leadership. I know many of you have had the opportunity to meet coach Bennett as he has moved around this campus to light it on fire. With his leadership, both on and off the field, around the campus, and in the greater community, coach Bennett is set to bring back the glory days of Mustang football. Your support is crucial to our team ‘s success. Make sure you wear your red and blue on Fridays, and I can ‘t wait to see all of you out at the games watching “In Your Face” football.
On an unfortunate note, the students of SMU lost a great friend earlier this week. A long time student supporter, benefactor, and University alumnus, Robert Dedman, Sr. passed away. His vision for this campus, which always had the students ‘ best interests at heart, will remain strong for many years to come. Please keep his family in your prayers.
As our year commences, myself, along with your Student Senate, need to know your concerns as a student and as a member of the University community. I want to remind you that we are here to serve you, represent your opinions, and voice your concerns. Please come visit us on the third floor in the southeast corner of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center or email myself at [email protected].
We look forward to meeting you. Welcome Back.
