Thanks for the Memories - Bob Hope

[MrMustang1965]

Some of our younger Mustangs on this board may not know it but Bob Hope, the comedian and actor who passed away today at the age of 100, was a big supporter of SMU. A theatre on campus bears his name and he attended some SMU football games in the 60s and 70s. He visited the campus several times, too.

So...take a moment to remember Bob Hope. A 'Mustang' by choice.

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"Winning ain't everything...but it's a lot more fun than the alternative!" S.M.U. SPIRIT: IT STARTS NOW!

[BUS]

What is the definition of an Atheist?


Someone who does not know who to cheer for when SMU plays Notre Dame.
Bob Hope

[Greenwich Pony]

Bob will be missed. I wish his family well in this time of trouble. I hope SMU plans a remembrance for him.

[AusTxPony]

Didn't some of Bob Hope's children go to SMU? I know he and Pres. Tate (ca. 60's) were good friends for some reason I don't know. I also remember meeting one son who was a cheerleader in the 70's or 80's. Anyone with info on this?

[MrMustang1965]

AusTxPony: Hope's children were adults by the time his philanthropy came to The Hilltop. Yes, he and Tate were good friends and that's how he became an SMU supporter. In fact, Hope has an honorary doctorate from SMU!

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"Winning ain't everything...but it's a lot more fun than the alternative!" S.M.U. SPIRIT: IT STARTS NOW!

[Nacho]

There is a great story about how the Mustang Band hijacked Bob Hope who was on his way to TCU to give a donation. The MB got to him first as he departed the train and brought him to SMU. The rest is history.

[bubba pony]

the way I heard it Bob Hope called the mayor of Dallas stating he got his first big break in show business while in Dallas and wanted to do something for the city of Dallas. the mayor responded that there was a small private school here in Dallas that could use the donation and that is how Bob Hope and SMU became acquainted. did anyone on this board every hear this story? otherwise I'm curious how the relationship developed.

[Casey]

With the theater bearing his name, his legacy will endure at SMU for generations to come.

[FRED]

there is a story on the SMU website about how the relationship developed:
<A HREF="http://www.smu.edu/newsinfo/releases/02280.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.smu.edu/newsinfo/releases/02280.html</A>

[MrMustang1965]

Good job, Fred! FYI: There was a media availability at 11 a.m. today with SMU officials to discuss Hope's history with the school. Look for stories on the local TV stations and in the DMN tomorrow.

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"Winning ain't everything...but it's a lot more fun than the alternative!" S.M.U. SPIRIT: IT STARTS NOW!

[Hoop Fan]

Some real special stuff there. Particularly the photo of Hope with Peruna at the 1935 Rose Bowl.

[OldPony]

Op remembers him coming to SMU after he had given the school about $1mill in the mid 60's. SMU gave him an honorary Masters Degree which Hope called "a body blow to higher education". He performed at Moody and sat in a swivel chair at half- court on a stage so he could talk to all parts of the arena. He put on a great show and personalized amny jokes for the SMU staff and students. America lost one of its great ones.