Robert and Michelle Ray, current presidents of the Dads’ and Mothers’ Clubs at SMU. (The Daily Campus)
The SMU Mothers’ and Dads’ Clubs will be saviors on move-in day when they provide relief from the scorching August days with cold water, moving dollies and tools at their “Thirst-Aid” stations located outside the dorms.
This is the clubs’ way of introducing themselves to students’ parents, but they’ve been making their mark on campus for more than 85 years.
“Our goal is to help the most students with each dollar,” Mothers’ Club President Michelle Ray said. “We let (grants) be led by students each year, so it changes depending on who comes in.”
Each December, the Mothers’ and Dads’ Clubs listen to proposals from student organizations or individuals. In 2013, they plan to give $25,000 to students in grants or scholarships.
Recent funds have been provided to buy scoreboards for the intramural fields, Hegi Career Center computer programs, 1,400 Mustang Corral T-shirts, Sing Song and Pigskin Revue.
As a Centennial Celebration gift to SMU, the clubs bought two new Peruna mascot costumes – a $12,000 to $15,000 gift, according to Deanie Kepler, director of parent and family programs.
The Mothers’ Club was created in 1926, at the request of President Charles C. Selecman. The club established a student loan and scholarship fund, which remains today as the Endowed Scholarship Fund. Membership reached 1,000 members by 1930 and within the next three years, the Dads’ Club was created. Robert Ray, husband of Michelle, is the Dads’ Club president. Although they are the first married presidents, they say it makes the job easier because they can divide and conquer.
In 1936 the Mothers’ Club made the first donation to SMU’s Million Dollar Campaign and installed lighting for the fountain in the middle of Dallas Hall lawn.
Efforts of the Mothers’ and Dads’ Clubs is sprinkled all over campus – the benches in the Laura Bush Plaza honoring outstanding faculty, Peruna Plaza in Ford Stadium that pays tribute to past live mascots, free lunch after University Worship and a tailgate, barbecue and live band during parent’s weekend.
The clubs also select the Outstanding Senior Man and Woman, who are nominated by deans, and they receive a scholarship.
A behind-the-scenes impact the clubs are making is the student emergency fund. This fund was recently used to help a self-supporting 2013 senior pay the last $500 needed to get a diploma.
The clubs hope to continue to support this fund for students in emergencies. In the past it has also been used to fly a student home on short notice for a family funeral.
The clubs had record membership last year with 650 new members. Annual or lifetime memberships are available for each club.
“We’re trying to help students,” Robert Ray said. “Just by joining, that gives us money to help student campaigns.”
Michelle and Robert Ray will be at all 14 AARO sessions this summer to welcome parents and provide information about the clubs. More information can be found at smu.edu/momsanddads.
