The campus has since been expanded around Dallas Hall, but it remains the center of SMU.

[2] Dallas Hall was designed by the Chicago branch of the architectural firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.

[6] As a sign of appreciation towards local citizens who had given 622.5 acres and $300,000 to found the campus, it was named "Dallas Hall" in their honor.

[8] This, and the building's monumental size, is the origin of SMU's nickname, "The Hilltop".

[6] It celebrated its 100th anniversary on November 12, 2012, with a dinner for university administrators and donors.