1911 Group Spotlight
The 1911 Group Spotlight reminds me of the impact SMU has made on me since I first walked on campus Homecoming weekend as a high school senior with Ken Malcolmson on a trip hosted by his older brother, Larry Malcolmson – a big man on campus – and still good friends with SMU’s iconic leader, David B. Miller, and former SMU quarterback, Chuck Hixson, who was setting all the collegiate passing records. Seeing the blue skies, cheery smiles and optimism at SMU made me fall in love with SMU and Dallas. Going to my first SMU pep rally foreshadowed my future. Here they tapped the Knights of Cycen Fjodr, a men’s honorary society in which I was later inducted, as well as being elected cheerleader, leading SMU pep rallies. SMU played Texas at the Cotton Bowl, which was my personal introduction to Texas football, Fair Park, and Hall of State, home of the Dallas Historical Society. Ken went from a high school guest at an SMU Homecoming to becoming president of SMU Alumni Association, overseeing Homecoming festivities.
My education at SMU still informs my business. My friendships with SMU professors, colleagues and friends have been the foundation of my career and life in Dallas. For many decades, hardly a day went by when I did not step on campus for meetings, lectures, events, openings or writing at the Bridwell Library. Of course, SMU swimming coach Steve Collins can attest that the outdoor Red Barr pool was my summer office. Also, the Methodist Bishop, a few faculty, an architect and I held one of the dozen keys to the clay tennis courts that we maintained for our personal use and an occasional guest like Chris Evert.
SMU provides much for the Dallas community and is poised for even more interaction with Dallas. The 1911 Group has provided another fresh lens to view SMU and connect with those with a passion for contributing to the business, civic and collegiate community. Thank you 1911 Group for spotlighting me and bringing greater attention to the attributes of SMU.
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