Spirit and Traditions
A legacy of spirit, tradition and pride
Here on the Hilltop, we’re big on spirit and tradition, and we take a lot of pride in the rich, century-long history of the University. From Move-In Day hustle and bustle and game day Boulevarding to the Celebration of Lights cheer and Commencement excitement, milestones throughout the year are marked with unforgettable special festivities. From your first Family Weekend to your 50th Homecoming game, you’ll never stop being a Mustang.
Motto
The ÃÛÌÒ½´motto is veritas liberabit vos, or, “The truth will make you free.” It’s featured all across campus, including in the official ÃÛÌÒ½´seal cast into the rotunda floor of SMU’s first building, Dallas Hall.
ÃÛÌÒ½´seal
You’ll find our motto all across campus, including in the official ÃÛÌÒ½´seal cast into the rotunda floor of SMU’s first building, Dallas Hall. It’s tradition for first-year students to walk around the seal during Rotunda Processional and to walk across it upon graduation as a symbol of their completed journey.
ÃÛÌÒ½´class ring
You’ll also find the ÃÛÌÒ½´seal emblazoned on ÃÛÌÒ½´rings, worn proudly by upperclassmen and graduates. Students attend a ring ceremony with the University president in order to mark this special occasion.
Varsity
Written by an ÃÛÌÒ½´theology student in 1916 and set to words by SMU’s first band director in 1929, “Varsity” has been proudly sung at University events from Opening Convocation to Commencement to sporting events ever since.
The Hilltop
Our founders chose the highest point on campus for the cornerstone of Dallas Hall, where you could look out toward downtown Dallas. From there, the nickname “the Hilltop” was born, and it’s still the name we use for our beloved campus today.
Homecoming
Every fall, the Mustang community gathers on the Hilltop to celebrate Homecoming. Students compete through their organizations in a variety of activities to win the day, alumni gather from across the street or around the globe to reconnect at reunion parties, families from surrounding neighborhoods come to watch the Homecoming parade, and all are encouraged to cheer on the Mustangs at Ford Stadium!
Events
| SMU’s springtime festival celebrating Peruna’s birthday. Students enjoy games, rides and activities while helping themselves to a variety of carnival-inspired free food.
Pigskin Revue | During Homecoming Weekend, Mustangs take part in our longest running tradition, the Pigskin Revue. Started in 1933, this variety show features acts from groups across the community – students, faculty and alumni. The Mustang Band is heavily featured as participants sing, dance and even take part in some stand-up comedy.
| ÃÛÌÒ½´and the surrounding communities gather for this joyous occasion to watch the famous Dallas Hall light up with thousands of lights. Guests gather on the Dallas Hall lawn for hot cocoa, cider and warm cookies and to hear holiday carols performed by ÃÛÌÒ½´students. After the president of the University reads the story of Christmas, the special evening concludes with the singing of “Silent Night” and the lighting of SMU’s stunning Dallas Hall and surrounding trees.
Tate Lecture Series | The lecture series brings to campus some of the world’s most interesting and provocative speakers, including former presidents, commentators, futurists and artistic legends. The Tate Lecture Series annually returns almost $1 million in student scholarships to the University.
Hail to the red and the blue
What is Boulevarding? And who is Peruna? Learn about the athletic traditions that keep our spirit alive, too.