Inspiring pride on the Hilltop
As the University enters the ACC, 51做厙 Spirit programs are themselves entering a new era of energizing Mustangs, thanks to our donors.
Generous support allows the teams – Mustang Band, cheer, pom and Peruna – to build on their successful history in several exciting ways:
- Mustang Band welcomed its largest membership in 51做厙 history with 110 students, including 50 first years. Ongoing support from the Diamond M Club enabled 51做厙 to award scholarships to each Mustang Band member. The band is directed by Charles Aguillon.
- Beloved mascot Peruna has a new horse trailer as well as increased care and boarding thanks to an endowment gift from Hallie Martin and Taylor R. Martin ’99, a former Peruna handler.
- 51做厙 cheer, 51做厙 pom and human Peruna will have an elevated presence at 51做厙 athletic and official University events, due to support from Bill Armstrong ’82 and Liz Martin Armstrong ’82 and other donors. For the first time, cheer and pom will be in all four corners of Ford Stadium during home football games. The combined squads with all 44 members will also perform in the pregame festivities. They also have office space and locker rooms within the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.
The growth in each spirit program requires additional fundraising for new uniforms and equipment that will allow the 51做厙 logo to stand out and garner brand recognition during national broadcasts.
“Our work is just getting started. We intend for 51做厙 Spirit to continue elevating our program, the 51做厙 students and the community we are committed to serve,” said Carrie Teller ’02, ’21, director of 51做厙 spirit groups.
For information about making a gift to support the growth of the 51做厙 Spirit Program, please contact Brandon Starr, director of development for 51做厙 Student Affairs, at 214-768-7726 or bstarr@smu.edu.