$50 million gift from Liz and Bill Armstrong, Carolyn and David Miller, Katy and Kyle Miller, and Mary and Rich Templeton to support student-athletes at university

Mustang Partners today announced transformative gifts totaling $50 million from four families in support of SMU student-athletes.

This historic gift from Liz and Bill Armstrong, Carolyn and David Miller, Katy and Kyle Miller, and Mary and Rich Templeton, to the Student-Athlete Benefit Fund will support scholarships, NIL advancement and revenue sharing.

The gift also launches the Boulevard Society, a new major giving society designed to elevate philanthropic leadership and invest in the long-term success of SMU Athletics.

Mustang Partners also announced the launch of a Boulevard Society initiative to raise an additional $50 million in leadership commitments by December 31, 2026.

“The extraordinary generosity of Liz and Bill Armstrong, Carolyn and David Miller, Katy and Kyle Miller, and Mary and Rich Templeton strengthens our ability to support our student-athletes academically, competitively and personally, while positioning SMU Athletics for sustained success at the highest level,” President Jay Hartzell said. “The success of SMU Athletics and the broader success of SMU are intrinsically linked. This is a win for Athletics and a win for the institution.”

“We are proud to support the continued ascent of SMU and the Athletics program,” said the families in a joint statement. “Excellence requires investment, and that’s how we view this gift – an investment in the future success of our beloved Mustangs. It takes a team to drive that kind of success, so we hope this founding gift inspires a new generation of support.”

“This $50 million commitment is transformative for SMU Athletics,” said Damon Evans, SMU’s Director of Athletics. “Not only does it provide critical support for our amazing student-athletes, it also helps us launch our new giving society to inspire additional support from Mustang Nation. In the end, this gift is a foundational investment in SMU’s competitive excellence, the development of our student-athletes, and in our sustained success at the highest level of collegiate athletics. On behalf of the entire Mustang Nation, I am honored to recognize and thank Liz and Bill, Carolyn and David, Katy and Kyle, and Mary and Rich for this historic gift.”

As founding members of the Boulevard Society, the four families will play a defining role in the future of Mustang Athletics during one of the most consequential eras in college sports.

The $50 million gift and the creation of the Boulevard Society are critical investments in the long-term sustainability and success of the SMU athletic program.

The Boulevard Society builds on SMU’s long tradition of bold philanthropy and arrives at a time when private support has never been more essential.

The Society offers five distinct membership levels, each providing greater access to exclusive experiences, tailored engagement opportunities, and meaningful connections with SMU leadership, coaches, and student-athletes.

Membership in the Boulevard Society is available through a minimum commitment of $125,000, payable over up to five years.

Mustang Partners is the new integrated revenue generation unit within SMU Athletics. Mustang Partners brings together development, ticketing, sponsorship, licensing, and premium hospitality under a unified approach designed to meet the rapidly evolving demands of modern college athletics.

This integrated model ensures SMU Athletics is positioned to compete at the highest level, not only today, but for decades to come.