SMU News Roundup | Week of November 2

Published on November 2, 2026
Armstrong Fieldhouse at SMU

The Art Newspaper

The Dallas Art Fair Moves to SMU

For the first time in its history, the Dallas Art Fair is changing venues. The 2027 edition will take place April 15 to 18 at Armstrong Fieldhouse on the SMU campus, the first major initiative of SMU’s new Dallas Office.

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Dallas Hall at SMU

SMU News

SMU Names 2026 Distinguished Alumni

Gerald Alley ’75, founder and CEO of Con-Real, Donde Plowman ’74, chancellor of the University of Tennessee, and Pat Bolin ’73, co-founder and CEO of Eagle Oil & Gas, will receive SMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton ’17 will receive the Emerging Leader Award. The ceremony is Thursday, November 12, at Armstrong Fieldhouse during Homecoming Week.

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Bronze sculpture of three horses at SMU

SMU News

A $5 Million Gift for Economics, the Arts and Athletics

McKesson CEO and SMU trustee Brian Tyler and his wife, Kristen Tyler, have given $5 million to establish three endowed funds supporting the SMU economics department, the fine arts and Mustang athletics.

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Other news

Week in Review

October 30, 2026
Week in ReviewAnthony Ormsbee-Hale Named EVP of OperationsCongratulations to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale, who was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations at Civitas Senior Living this month. A well-deserved step, and The 1911 Group is proud to have him as a member.In the NewsKevin Jennings Sets SMU Touchdown RecordKevin Jennings is now the SMU career leader in touchdown passes. He threw his re

Member Spotlight | Whitney Williamson

November 3, 2026
This week’s 1911 Group Member Spotlight highlights Whitney Williamson.Whitney is Vice President, Market Officer for Austin and San Antonio at Prologis. She oversees all operations for the combined 7 million square foot portfolio and leads market-level initiatives and strategy. She joined Prologis in 2018 as part of the Dallas leasing team.Beyond her role at Prologis, Whitney serves on the NAIOP Au