Returning the Favor

SMU Grad Gives Back With a Gift in His Will

Sam Thomas is grateful for his Southern Methodist University experience. As a student who benefited from scholarship support at SMU, he wants to help the next generation of SMU students have the same opportunity for success.

After a successful career in banking, and the oil and gas industry, Sam decided to solidify his Peruna pride by naming SMU as a beneficiary of his estate. Sam's donation will provide scholarships for future students.

"When I look back at my life and at what has influenced me, SMU is right up there at the top," he says. "The only way I know how to return that favor is to give back." In addition to his planned gift, Sam continues to make annual gifts.

Sam's ties to Texas and SMU initially began because his grandmother was a nurse at Dallas' Methodist Hospital. As a "Navy brat," he lived throughout the United States growing up.

He returned to his Texas roots for college, attending SMU on a SMU Dad's Club baseball scholarship. He lived in McElvaney Hall, worked at a sporting goods store, played baseball and belonged to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Coming to Dallas helped Sam expand his network of contacts and pique his interests in areas he might not have discovered otherwise. For example, the history courses he took led to his interest in collecting antiques. One of Sam's favorite business professors, Dr. Frank Millar, was even the best man at his wedding.

Years later, Sam sustained serious injuries at work and took the time to review his priorities. He asked himself the following question: What entity or person has done more for me in my past than any other?

The answer was SMU.

Show Gratitude With a Legacy
If you are grateful for the educational opportunities that we provide, consider leaving a planned gift to SMU from your estate. Contact SMU's Office of Gift Planning at 214-768-1911 or giftplanning@smu.edu to learn about your options, at no obligation.