July 11, 2006

SMU junior volleyball middle blocker Kara Cornelius took part in the Milk & Cookies program on July 11 at the University Park Public Library. Cornelius, an Amarillo, Texas native, was a big hit with the children as she read betime stories to 30 plus children.

The small atmosphere allowed for the kids to interact with Cornelius as she read stories. The kids were excited to meet a Mustang and enjoyed the Milk and Cookies. Cornelius also signed a 2006 SMU volleyball poster for each child and answered questions from the kids.

The SMU athletics department sponsors a comprehensive community uutreach program which takes advantage of the skills, experience and notoriety of its 500+ student-athletes, coaches and staff members to reinforce positive messages to K-12 children and community members in the Dallas area. Active participation in the community has been at the heart of the school's philosophy and philanthropy. By focusing efforts on after-school clubs, inner-city youth recreation programs, education and literacy projects, shelters and other culturally diverse youth organizations, Mustang student-athletes, coaches, and staff members are able to make an impact that goes beyond watching the game. Click here for more information on SMU community relations.