Southern Methodist University in Dallas has announced a $5 million gift from Mary and Rich Templeton in support of student scholarships and fellowships at the Lyle School of Engineering.

The gift includes $2.5 million to endow four doctoral fellowships and another $2.5 million to endow ten undergraduate scholarships; the gift also will cover the operating costs for the first five years of each program. The Templetons, who met as students at Union College, are longtime supporters of SMU. Mary was a financial analyst with General Electric, while Rich has worked at Texas Instruments since 1980 and currently serves as chair, president, and CEO.

"Gifts like the Templetons' are fundamental to the success of our faculty, our students, and our research, particularly as SMU continues on its trajectory toward [Research 1] status," said Elizabeth G. Loboa, SMU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "This generous commitment by the Templetons will create an enduring, positive impact on both the Lyle School's current and future students and the influence of the research performed on SMU's campus."

"Building a strong future for our community requires comprehensive education and robust research opportunities," said Rich Templeton. "Providing greater access for students and better support for PhD research makes an impact that goes far beyond the SMU campus. Mary and I are proud to be a part of the Lyle School's new chapter, and we look forward to seeing its continued success and growth."