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The generosity of Paula H. Rhines and Walden C. “Wally” Rhines ’75 has created many opportunities for SMU students, faculty and research. The president and CEO of Cornami Intelligent Computing, Wally Rhines serves on a variety of industry boards and previously led Mentor Graphics (now Siemens EDA) for more than 25 years. In addition to her career in the computer and engineering industries, Paula Rhines has dedicated much time to Dallas organizations, including the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

 

Wally, your alumni ties to SMU span more than 50 years. What has inspired you to continue and strengthen your relationship with the University since you graduated?

Wally: My MBA at SMU was a very meaningful degree because going to classes in the evenings allowed me to dig deeply into business topics while working at Texas Instruments. I met a number of really interesting people during that period, many of whom are still close friends today. Dallas has been my home base since that time at SMU, despite moving and returning several times.

 

What SMU developments over the years stand out to you the most?

Wally: The growth of the campus, with so many great buildings, has totally changed the University since the time I graduated. Generosity from so many alumni has generated not only new construction but also many new programs, research and academic events. Although my SMU roots are in the Cox School of Business, I’ve been impressed by the energy that Bobby Lyle has brought to the Lyle School of Engineering, and I chose to join that effort.

 

Paula: SMU has managed to develop centers of excellence far beyond what is expected for a university our size. Having majored in computer science and math as an undergraduate, and spending my career working in the computer industry, I can’t help but be impressed by the advances SMU has achieved, particularly with computing resources. In addition, the Meadows School of the Arts’ growth has provided inspiring events and infrastructure. We also enjoy attending the Tate lectures.

 

This fall marks SMU’s first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. As alumni of fellow ACC schools Stanford University and Florida State University, what excites you most about this new era?

Wally: It’s an incredible change! SMU will once again become nationally recognized for sports. I’d be delighted to see SMU beat Stanford, my alma mater, this coming season.

 

Paula: It’s been a long time since I watched the Florida State Seminoles. Although Wally and I both grew up in Florida, we’re much closer to SMU now.

 

You’ve both given generously to SMU research and academic initiatives, including your 2022 gift to endow a professorship of quantum informatics in the Lyle School of Engineering. What inspires you to make these kinds of commitments?

Paula: Successful university programs start with a focused specialty area of excellence and build to become internationally recognized in that area, followed by others. Wally met with all the department heads in the Lyle School, asking each one to identify the two areas in their departments where the seeds of greatness already exist but they need resources to grow.

 

Wally: The first example I found was in the Deason Institute for Cyber Security, where Mitch Thornton has put together a world-class quantum computing team. Cyber security and quantum informatics are critical to the future of the U.S., and Paula and I want to help. We’ve also found other emerging centers of excellence at SMU that we hope to support, such as Kate Smits’ expertise in natural gas leakage technology.

 

Our donors and community members are vital to the success of the University. They transform lives both at SMU and through work that has impact beyond campus. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to follow your example of making an impact as an SMU donor?

Wally: To be fulfilling, contributions of time and money need to go toward things about which you are passionate. SMU has so many diverse areas of expertise that anyone can find something in the University that is exciting. Once you find it, the SMU staff will help you recognize areas where your assistance or donations will have the most impact.