DALLAS (SMU) – As part of the "Every Mustang Counts" and Faculty & Staff Giving Initiatives, every SMU student-athlete, coach and staff member donated to the Mustang Club this year. This marks the second straight year of 100% student-athlete giving and the third consecutive year of 100% athletic department staff giving.

The student-athlete donations were routed to each team's Excellence Fund, which is used to supplement team travel, special equipment purchases, or other expenses. Rick Hart matched each team's gifts up to $500 from the Athletic Director's Discretionary Fund.

"Student-athletes gave because we care about SMU as in institution," said track & field and cross country standout Holly Archer. "One hundred percent participation shows our gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful opportunity and institution."
 
"All of our student-athletes gave because we recognize the power of coming together to help not only our teams, but SMU as a whole," said swimmer El Yellin. "We all have a passion for this school and want to show how incredible it is to be here. To get 100% participation means every single student-athlete at SMU is committed to this school and devoted to helping it."

"When our coaches and staff give back, it is symbolic of our collective commitment to, and belief in, our mission to prepare our students for life. A gift from a current or former student-athlete is perhaps the most valuable gift we receive, because they are the focal point of all that we do. It is reflective of their SMU experience. Achieving 100% participation inspires us all to be our best and continue our pursuit of comprehensive excellence," said Hart.

The Mustang Club is a non-profit organization that raises private funds to support SMU's 17 intercollegiate athletic programs. The primary objective of the Mustang Club is to provide the necessary resources so that each of our student-athletes may have a "world-class" academic and athletic experience at SMU. In order to provide this experience, Mustang Club funds are used directly for the rising costs of recruiting budgets, team travel, facility enhancements, and other operating expenses associated with an NCAA Division I athletic program.

To make a gift to SMU Athletics, contact the Mustang Club at 214-SMU-CLUB (214-768-2582).