As the leaves begin to turn and the air fills with the excitement of Homecoming Week, Southern Methodist University (SMU) is preparing to honor five remarkable individuals at its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award presentation and dinner. On the evening of October 31, the red carpet will be rolled out to celebrate leaders who’ve made a lasting impact in fields ranging from entrepreneurship to philanthropy, public service, and sports management. This year’s honorees bring a blend of passion, innovation, and heart to the table, embodying the spirit of Mustang leadership in all its glory.

Honorees: A Snapshot of Excellence

This year’s roster includes a lineup of luminaries: Jorge Baldor, the trailblazing entrepreneur who’s revolutionizing education for underserved youth; Kelly Hoglund Compton, a strategic philanthropist championing families and education; Hon. Terry R. Means, a legal powerhouse devoted to public service; and Trent Redden, an innovative sports executive shaking things up in the NBA. SMU has also introduced a new award this year to recognize non-alumni who’ve made significant contributions to the university, and the first recipient is none other than Caren Prothro, a Dallas philanthropist with a legacy as rich as her family’s history with the school.

 Jorge Baldor: Champion of Latino Empowerment

Born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Dallas, Jorge Baldor exemplifies the American Dream. After immigrating with his family as a young boy, Baldor embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that’s been anything but conventional. His business acumen has fueled ventures aimed at uplifting the Latino community, with his creation of After8toEducate—an initiative that provides services and shelter to homeless youth—marking a high point in his career.

But Baldor’s influence doesn’t stop at business. He’s made a mark on the Dallas cultural scene, serving on the boards of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Cara Mia Theatre, and SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts Executive Board. For Baldor, education is key: “SMU taught me critical thinking,” he shares, crediting the university for helping shape his approach to life and leadership. A recipient of multiple awards, including SMU’s Triumph of the Spirit Award, Baldor’s legacy is one of empowerment and resilience.

Kelly Hoglund Compton: Philanthropy with a Purpose

Kelly Hoglund Compton might have started her career in corporate banking, but her real calling has been in philanthropy, where she’s worked tirelessly to uplift at-risk families and children. As the Executive Director of **The Hoglund Foundation**, Compton has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives that touch lives across Texas.

A finance graduate from SMU, Compton has deep roots within the university. From serving on the SMU Board of Trustees to leading various committees and fundraising campaigns, she’s remained a steadfast supporter of SMU’s mission. Her work extends beyond SMU’s campus to organizations like Atmos Energy Corporation and the George W. Bush Presidential Center. With over 600 agencies under her philanthropic belt, Compton is a force for good in the world of giving.

 Hon. Terry R. Means: A Lifetime of Legal Excellence

The legal world wouldn’t be quite the same without Hon. Terry R. Means, whose career spans decades of dedication to justice. From his early days at SMU studying political science and history to his federal bench appointment by President George H.W. Bush, Means has lived a life steeped in public service.

Means has worn many hats, including that of student body president and chairman of Students for Bush during his SMU days. His judicial journey began when Governor Bill Clements appointed him to the 10th Court of Appeals, a position that set the stage for his elevation to the U.S. District Court. With a career marked by fairness and integrity, Means has become a beacon of legal wisdom in Texas.

Trent Redden: From Campus Courts to NBA Conference Finals

If ever there was an alumnus who turned his love for sports into an empire, it’s Trent Redden. This Los Angeles Clippers general manager has built an impressive career since his days on the SMU basketball court. Originally recruited to play Division II ball, Redden pivoted to focus on academics, earning degrees in accounting and public policy—and scoring big in the business of professional sports.

With 11 years at the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he rose from intern to Senior VP of Basketball Operations, Redden made waves by helping lead the team to NBA glory. Now at the helm of the Clippers, he’s overseeing strategy and operations with the same precision he brought to SMU’s basketball courts, and the results are clear: the team reached its first Western Conference Finals in franchise history under his leadership.

Caren Prothro: SMU’s Philanthropic Cornerstone

It’s only fitting that the first-ever Distinguished Honorary Alumni Award goes to Caren Prothro, a Dallas philanthropist whose name is synonymous with SMU’s success. Her deep connection to the university began with her husband’s grandparents, who funded SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, and has only grown with her own contributions over the years.

Prothro has chaired major fundraising campaigns, overseen the renovation of the Owen Arts Center, and led the university as the chair of the Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2014. Her dedication extends beyond the campus, with roles in organizations like the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. Prothro’s work is rooted in her commitment to education, the arts, and social justice, making her the perfect choice for SMU’s newest honor.

Conclusion: Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership

As SMU prepares to honor these exceptional individuals, one thing is clear: their collective achievements have left an indelible mark on the world. From community advocacy to legal brilliance, from sports management to philanthropy, the 2024 Distinguished Alumni honorees represent the very best of Mustang pride and leadership. SMU’s Homecoming Week is not only a celebration of tradition but a testament to the university’s ongoing commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Here’s to the Mustangs who’ve galloped their way to greatness!

For more info, visit SMU.edu