A group of four families ponied up $50 million to boost student athletics by funding scholarships, Name Image and Likeness (NIL) advancement, and revenue sharing.
The donation from longtime Mustang boosters Liz and Bill Armstrong, Carolyn and David Miller, Katy and Kyle Miller, and Mary and Rich Templeton also launches the Boulevard Society, a new major giving society designed to invest in SMU Athletics long-term.
“We are proud to support the continued ascent of SMU and the Athletics program,” said the families in a joint statement. “Excellence requires investment, and that’s how we view this gift — an investment in the future success of our beloved Mustangs. It takes a team to drive that kind of success, so we hope this founding gift inspires a new generation of support.”
Mustang Partners, a new integrated revenue generation division of SMU Athletics, also announced a Boulevard Society initiative to raise an additional $50 million by Dec. 31, 2026.
“The extraordinary generosity of Liz and Bill Armstrong, Carolyn and David Miller, Katy and Kyle Miller, and Mary and Rich Templeton strengthens our ability to support our student-athletes academically, competitively and personally, while positioning SMU Athletics for sustained success at the highest level,” SMU President Jay Hartzell said in a statement. “The success of SMU Athletics and the broader success of SMU are intrinsically linked. This is a win for Athletics and a win for the institution.”
According to a press release, The Boulevard Society has five membership levels, “each offering increasing access to exclusive experiences, tailored engagement opportunities, and meaningful connections with SMU leadership, coaches, and student-athletes.”
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Membership in The Boulevard Society is available via a minimum commitment of $125,000, payable over a maximum of five years, the press release states.
“This $50 million commitment is transformative for SMU Athletics,” said SMU Athletics Director Damon Evans. “Not only does it provide critical support for our amazing student-athletes, it also helps us launch our new giving society to inspire additional support from Mustang Nation. In the end, this gift is a foundational investment in SMU’s competitive excellence, the development of our student-athletes, and in our sustained success at the highest level of collegiate athletics. On behalf of the entire Mustang Nation, I am honored to recognize and thank Liz and Bill, Carolyn and David, Katy and Kyle, and Mary and Rich for this historic gift.”
