$60 million new gift to university raises O’Donnell family giving to more than $780 million
Southern Methodist University has received a significant boost from one of Texas’ most influential philanthropic families, with the Dallas-based O’Donnell Foundation committing $60 million to fuel the university’s ambitions in energy education and honors programming. The gift, one of the largest in SMU’s history, continues the O’Donnell family’s long tradition of investing in scientific talent, academic innovation, and the state’s future workforce.
Founded in 1957 by Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr., the foundation has become a transformative force in Texas higher education, channeling more than $780 million into universities and research initiatives over the decades.
Family members are Ann O’Donnell Stevanovich, Carol O’Donnell Kradolfer and Ruth O’Donnell Mutch who currently serves on the board.
Its latest investment reflects a strategic belief that North Texas—home to major oil and gas companies, automotive innovators and financial institutions—is poised to shape the next era of global energy leadership.
William T. Solomon, president and chairman of the foundation, said the gift aims to support young leaders who will “fulfill that promise for North Texas” at a time when breakthroughs in energy technology and production are urgently needed.
The donation will launch SMU’s new “Energy Science, Innovation and Enterprise” program, an interdisciplinary initiative drawing together faculty from business, engineering, the sciences and the humanities.
Designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving industry, the program emphasizes not only technical expertise but also leadership, integrity and the interpersonal skills needed to manage large teams early in one’s career. The university hopes the foundation’s investment will attract top scholars and students who see Dallas as a uniquely strong training ground for future energy leaders.
Part of the gift will establish the O’Donnell Academic Honors Fund, which will give select students in biology, chemistry and applied physiology a highly personalized educational experience. Small classes, close faculty mentorship, scholarships and career advising are all intended to nurture high-performing students in fields the foundation views as essential to the region’s growth.
Honors students entering their third year will also gain research and internship opportunities aligned with their major. The first cohort will begin in fall 2026.
The O’Donnell Foundation’s generosity toward SMU has surged in recent years, including $30 million in 2023 to strengthen engineering, data science and digital innovation programs. Its continued support has played a role in SMU recently achieving coveted R1 research status, raising the university’s national profile and enabling it to compete for top-tier faculty and research funding.
For SMU President Jay Hartzell, the new investment reinforces the university’s identity as a magnet for rising talent and a hub for forward-looking research.
He hopes the O’Donnell Foundation’s commitment sends a clear message to students nationwide who are seeking an innovative, interdisciplinary path into the energy sector: “This is the place to do it.”