Matthew H. Fleeger: Paving the Path for SMU’s Athletic Excellence in the ACC

Southern Methodist University (SMU) has recently celebrated a monumental milestone, surpassing its $125 million fundraising goal for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Competitiveness Campaign. This achievement would not have been possible without the outstanding generosity of Matthew H. Fleeger, an SMU alumnus, and the Fleeger Family Foundation. Their $2 million commitment was crucial in helping SMU reach its goal, positioning the university’s athletic programs for unprecedented success as they prepare for their transition to the ACC.

A Historic Commitment to SMU Athletics

In response to SMU’s September 1st announcement of its move to the ACC, the ACC Competitiveness Campaign was designed to strengthen the university’s athletic programs and ensure they can compete at the highest level of collegiate sports. The campaign’s goal was ambitious—$125 million—but thanks to the collective efforts of alumni, donors, and supporters, SMU has raised an impressive $159 million in cash and commitments for fiscal year 2024.

Matthew H. Fleeger, class of 1987, and his wife, Candee Richmond Fleeger, class of 1986, were pivotal in this effort. Their Fleeger Family Foundation contributed $2 million to the campaign, with $1.2 million allocated to the Weber End Zone Complex, a key facility for Mustang Athletics, and $800,000 toward closing the final gap to reach the overall $125 million target.

SMU’s Director of Athletics Rick Hart expressed immense gratitude for Fleeger’s generosity. “We are deeply grateful to Matt Fleeger and the Fleeger Family Foundation for their extraordinary generosity. Their commitment propels us to our campaign goal and significantly enhances our facilities and resources, positioning SMU Athletics for sustained success in the ACC.”

Breaking Records and Setting New Standards

With the campaign surpassing its initial goal, SMU Athletics is riding a wave of momentum. The funds raised will allow SMU to upgrade its athletic facilities, provide cutting-edge resources to student-athletes, and ensure they are competitive in their new ACC home. This accomplishment follows a record-setting eight-championship season for Mustang Athletics, showcasing the growing strength and capabilities of SMU’s athletic programs.

In addition to surpassing the fundraising goal, SMU has set a new record for season ticket sales at Ford Stadium. The university is on track to more than double the number of season tickets sold for the upcoming season, reflecting the heightened enthusiasm surrounding Mustang sports as they prepare for their first ACC season.

Matthew H. Fleeger: A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy

Matthew H. Fleeger’s contributions to SMU are only one aspect of his impressive career. He serves as the President and CEO of Gulf Coast Western, an oil and gas company that operates across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Fleeger is known not only for his business acumen but also for his extensive charitable endeavors. He is deeply involved in numerous philanthropic ventures, with his work extending far beyond SMU’s campus.

Fleeger’s compassion is perhaps best exemplified by his support of the Sadie Keller Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing toys to children battling cancer during the holiday season. Fleeger, a cancer survivor, has a personal connection to the foundation’s mission and has generously donated $25,000 to support Sadie Keller’s efforts. Gulf Coast Western has also been a key sponsor of the foundation’s annual fundraising gala, further cementing Fleeger’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

A Bright Future for SMU Athletics

With the success of the ACC Competitiveness Campaign, SMU Athletics is poised for a bright future. The funds raised will allow for continued investments in the university’s athletic facilities and resources, ensuring that SMU’s student-athletes have everything they need to excel in the highly competitive ACC.

The Fleeger Family Foundation’s support has been critical to this success, but the journey is far from over. SMU Athletics continues to prioritize philanthropic support to maintain its trajectory of growth and success as it transitions to its new conference.

“I’m thrilled with the future direction of SMU Athletics,” said Matthew H. Fleeger. “There’s never been a better time to be a Mustang, and I’m proud to support our transition to the ACC.”

As SMU enters a new era in its athletic history, alumni like Matthew H. Fleeger are leading the charge, ensuring that the university remains competitive on the national stage while upholding the traditions of excellence that have long defined Mustang sports.