And the Poetry Continues...

The impact of beloved and renowned SMU English professor Laurence Perrine will continue thanks to a bequest made by his wife, Catherine. The couple met while teaching in SMU's English department.

Laurence not only had a long and distinguished career at SMU, he also received national recognition for his classic textbooks, Sound and Sense and Story and Structure. Sound and Sense was originally developed for use in Laurence's poetry class, but became one of the most influential works in American education.

After Laurence died, Catherine wanted to give back to the institution the Perrines loved. In her will, Catherine made a stock gift to SMU and simply requested that it be used for Dedman College. SMU's board of trustees resolved to use the funds in a way that would be fitting of this amazing couple. The gift created an endowed chair that will support a faculty position specializing in creative writing. The Perrine gift also endowed scholarships for students in Dedman College.

CHANGING A LIFE
Last year, Rebecca Quinn, class of 2011 and a triple major in French, Spanish and art history, received one of the Perrine President's scholarships. For Rebecca, as with many students, the benefits of a scholarship extend beyond financial support. Rebecca shares that she has "been privy to opportunities and experiences that would have been unthinkable at any other university. I have found people with whom to live, debate, grow and laugh. For me, such a gift has been both an honor and a call to duty to participate actively in the conversation of my generation."

A LASTING LEGACY
Laurence touched the lives of students for more than three decades. The gift in Catherine's will ensures that the legacy her husband began at SMU will continue. Rebecca and other students are thankful for the Perrines' love of literature and their generous gift. That gratitude will continue to benefit more incredible SMU students in perpetuity.