Welcome to the Storage Scholars Spotlight series! Every week, we highlight a different school in our network of college storage locations. This week, we're talking about Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Read on to learn more about this distinguished research institution and why it's the perfect place for your summer storage needs! 

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About Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university in Dallas, Texas. Established in 1911, SMU has a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence. With over 7,000 diverse undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students from 50 states and 80 countries, SMU prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university comprises eight degree schools, including the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Cox School of Business, and the Lyle School of Engineering, among others. The schools are situated on about 234 acres of land. Although the Methodist Episcopal church founded SMU, it is nonsectarian in its teachings and enrolls students of all religions, making it a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

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What SMU is Best Known For

Southern Methodist University is most well-known for its commitment to global research and teaching. Its faculty and students come from all over the world, making it a truly diverse and multicultural campus with an appreciation for the diversity of ideas. Additionally, SMU is deeply connected to the community of Dallas, Texas; students have a leg-up on the competition in the workforce upon graduation. The campus boasts an impressive nine libraries, including the most extensive private collection of research materials in the Southwest. SMU is also home to the largest collection of Spanish art available outside of Spain, making it a hub for art and culture enthusiasts. These unique features have helped SMU become one of the top universities in the country and a sought-after destination for students and researchers alike.

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History of SMU

Southern Methodist University (SMU) was initially chartered in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church's southern denomination, intending to establish a school in a metropolitan area. Originally, the church had planned to merge two existing institutions and settle in Fort Worth but instead chose to start a new school. However, a conflict between the church and Vanderbilt University was brewing simultaneously, ultimately leading to a Supreme Court decision forcing the two to cut ties. As a result, in 1914, the church made SMU its central institution.

Dallas leaders and citizens demonstrated their support by funding the university and securing its location in Dallas. In recognition of their support, SMU named its first building, Dallas Hall, after them, which remains a symbol and centerpiece of the university today. When it first opened in 1915, Dallas Hall housed the entire campus and a bank and barbershop.

The university's leaders aimed to associate SMU with academic excellence, giving it Ivy League colors of crimson and navy, similar to those of Yale and Harvard. They also named several streets after prominent Ivy League institutions.

In 1927, the Highland Park Methodist Church was added to the campus, and during World War II, SMU participated in a Navy Training program for its students.

The university's endowment surpassed $1 billion for the first time in its history in 2005. In 2008, the George W. Bush Presidential Center was constructed on 23 acres of the campus, including a presidential library, museum, institute, and the offices of the George W. Bush Foundation, which operates separately from SMU.

In 2019, SMU separated entirely from the Methodist Church due to differences over LGBTQ policies.

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Famous Alumni

Southern Methodist University (SMU) has produced an incredible number of successful alums across various fields. Among them are well-known politicians, including foreign and US government officials, US cabinet members, the Senate and House of Representatives, ambassadors, diplomats, governors, legislators, and military leaders. Southern Methodist University was also home to many successful lawyers, scientists, actors, writers, athletes, and more. 

Laura Bush, a graduate of SMU's Class of '68, served as the First Lady of the United States and Texas. Mary Weber, an accomplished scientist, aviator, and former astronaut, also graduated from SMU. The university has also produced Nobel Prize-winning physicist James Cronin and Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates (who majored in Theater). These are just a few examples of the impressive alumni who have passed through SMU's halls over the years.

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Life On Campus

Southern Methodist University offers a vibrant campus life that caters to the diverse interests of its students. SMU's residential commons living model promotes a strong sense of community among students. It provides a unique living-learning experience, where students from different academic backgrounds live and learn together in a collaborative environment. In addition to academics, students can engage in over 200 student organizations that range from academic, professional, fraternal, sporting, ethnic-themed, religious, service, and political diversity groups. 

Some of the popular organizations on campus include the Feminist Equality Movement (FEM) and Mustang Heroes, which is one of the largest service organizations on campus.

The Embrey Human Rights Program at SMU is also a standout feature, offering students opportunities to explore human rights issues and develop practical skills in advocacy and activism.

SMU has a thriving Greek system, with 43% of the undergraduate student body affiliated. 

Athletics is also an essential part of campus life at SMU. The teams, known as the Mustangs, participate in the NCAA's Division I, American Athletic Conference, and offer opportunities for students to participate in sports or cheer on their classmates. Overall, SMU provides a dynamic and engaging campus life that allows students to pursue their passions, develop new skills, and build lifelong connections.

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Life Off Campus

SMU is located right in Dallas, Texas, and it comes as no surprise that this big city plays a significant role in students' lives in many ways. Students get to have fun, work, explore, and immerse in the culture of Dallas all at once. Students can experience one-of-a-kind internships in their field of study without traveling far. They can network during their undergraduate time, experience the city's business hub, and land a job quickly at graduation. 

When students aren't busy planning for their futures, there is so much for them to do! Dallas has an extensive urban arts district; in fact, it's one of the largest in the US. 

Living in the city, you wouldn't expect students to be able to escape to nature, but you might be surprised to learn that Dallas has its own serene escapes too! The Dallas Trail Plan and White Rock Lake are some spots that nature enthusiasts can visit close to campus. 

Whatever your interests are, there is something for just about everyone who attends SMU.  

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Favorite SMU Traditions

Southern Methodist University has many traditions that students, alumni, and families look forward to yearly. One of the most exciting and competitive traditions is the Iron Skillet. The SMU Mustangs compete against their rivals, the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs, for bragging rights and ownership of the coveted Iron Skillet trophy. 

Additionally, two beloved traditions are held in the Spring and Fall- Family Weekend and Founder's Day- where students, families, and alumni come together for a weekend of fun events on campus. 

The Tate Lecture Series is another unique tradition that brings together students, faculty, the community, and guest speakers for engaging discussions and debates on thought-provoking topics. 

During the holiday season, students enjoy the tradition of Celebration of Lights, where they come together for a presidential reading of the Christmas Story, lighting of the Christmas tree, and festive activities like petting reindeer. Lastly, Perunapalooza, a celebration of school pride held at Dallas Hall, is a must-attend event on the SMU calendar, where students enjoy food, games, and fun activities on the birthday of the beloved school mascot.

These traditions at Southern Methodist University help to foster a strong sense of community, pride, and school spirit among the students and alumni, making it an extraordinary place to be a part of.

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Storage Scholars and Southern Methodist University 

SMU has been a partner of Storage Scholars for the past few years. We are proud to have a strong campus presence again this year! Students and parents have entrusted us to pick up student belongings after final exams, keep them safe in storage for the summer, and then deliver everything back in the fall before the first day of class. We even provide all the boxes and packaging supplies, so students don't have to leave campus for anything. We're glad to be called upon year after year by SMU students and parents.

This year, the campus is run by Campus Co-founders alongside Marketing Managers for a more tailored and personalized experience. We are excited to provide an even higher storage service level than ever before. If you're new to campus or eager to learn about Storage Scholars and secure your spot for an upcoming campus move, visit www.StorageScholars.com. Or check out SMU Storage Scholars' Instagram page for the latest on student storage news.

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Sources:

‍http://www.smu.edu/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Methodist_University#Student_life

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Southern_Methodist_University_people

https://www.admitsee.com/blog/10-fun-facts-about-southern-methodist-university

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