SMU this fall honored five outstanding leaders in faith ministry, community advocacy, corporate management, entrepreneurism/business leadership, and digital marketing strategy.
The Distinguished Alumni Award — the highest honor the university can bestow on graduates — recognizes leaders for their extraordinary achievements, outstanding character, and good citizenship.
The 2025 recipients
The Rev. Paul L. Rasmussen (’04), senior minister at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, earned his Master of Divinity from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. The fourth generation United Methodist minister interned with HPUMC while in seminary and never left. In 2001, he began preaching in HPUMC’s contemporary worship service. In 2013, he became the 11th senior pastor to serve this congregation of more than 15,000 members.
Suzanne S. Youngkin (’89), serves as the first lady of the commonwealth of Virginia alongside her husband of 31 years, Gov. Glenn Youngkin. After earning her bachelor’s degree in communication arts and public relations, she launched her career in public relations. The first lady serves on numerous boards, including the State Ballet of Virginia, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Council, and Wolf Trap Associates, and is president of the charitable Phos Foundation.
David S. Huntley (’80), retired from AT&T after nearly 30 years in a variety of leadership roles, including senior executive vice president and chief compliance officer from December 2014 to June 2023. Huntley serves on the boards of Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.; Common Securitization Solutions; AT LAST!; the Ethics and Compliance Initiative; Methodist Health System Foundation; and Forest Forward. He serves on the SMU Board of Trustees.
Neighborhood Spotlight
Preston Hollow
Trevor D. Rees-Jones (’78), founder and CEO of Chief Oil & Gas, LLC and Rees-Jones Holdings, LLC., is a presence in the Dallas law, business, and oil and gas industries. He was inducted into All-American Wildcatters. Rees-Jones received the Folsom Award for civic and community service in 2011. The Rees-Jones Foundation has granted more than $800 million to benefit children, community development, and animal welfare in North Texas, Africa, and India.
Emerging Leader Award
The prize recognizes the outstanding achievements of someone who has graduated in the last 15 years. This year’s recipient:
Sana Merchant (’11), senior director of club and college marketing at the NFL, was born in India and raised in Dallas from the age of 9. She began her career at Burson-Marsteller (now Burson). Two years later, she joined the marketing and public relations team at the Empire State Building, where she helped execute one-of-a-kind marketing campaigns, including the 50th anniversary celebration of the Ford Mustang.
