Empowering outstanding students

Ignite a better tomorrow

While the SMU Ignited campaign closed on May 31, 2025, you can still become part of the University's next chapter of excellence. Your support can make a enduring difference in the lives of Mustangs and the communities they serve around the world.

SMU Ignited gifts enable us to bring top-ranked students to our campus. Thanks to your support, we help Mustangs thrive by offering more need- and merit-based scholarships.

Your SMU Ignited investments help exceptional students persist through any challenges they encounter to ensure Mustangs graduate on time and ready to succeed, thanks to programs that make them feel welcome and equip them to achieve academic, personal and professional success.

Donors to SMU Ignited equip all Mustangs, including members of diverse and underrepresented populations, to excel by investing in programs targeted to meet their needs.

Your support of SMU Ignited provides a wide range of internships, stipends and international study support to give all Mustangs real-world experiences that prepare them to succeed.

β€œI learned how to think critically and reflect on the information I was receiving, rather than just memorize and regurgitate facts. At SMU I was exposed to a world different from my working-class upbringing in East Austin.”

— Pastor Richie Butler ’93, SMU Trustee and Former Scholarship Recipient