From SMU 2009-10 Annual Report

[RE Tycoon]

New annual giving records for SMU Athletics, the second consecutive year of achievement. Operating gifts to athletics reached an all-time high of $5.47 million. Contributions to the Mustang Club also reached new levels, exceeding $2 million.

Define "operating gifts" for me? Does the mean athletic department revenue such as ticket sales, concessions, parking, sponsorships, et al, or is does that mean some other source?

[mustangbill67]

Probably C of C and other non-MC athletic contributions.

[mustangbill67]

I also understand that after OTP knocked off Mestango, a large part of his estate went to the SMU athletic department.

[Sewanee Stang]

"Operating gifts to athletics" may be gifts to the operating fund of the athletic department as opposed to gifts to the operating fund of the University as a whole.

[ponyboy]

I also understand that after OTP knocked off Mestango, a large part of his estate went to the SMU athletic department.

Well there's a buck fifty.