Phil Turkus
Father & Supporter
In 1998 I was putting together my SMU application when my dad called to say he had finished his parent recommendation and was putting it in the mail. When I was 6 my dad moved to Texas, leaving his family in San Francisco. We didn't have much of a relationship or really anything in common. The idea that he was going to write my parent recommendation sounded insane. A copy of the letter came in the mail a week later. When I read the letter I was shocked and touched at how well he knew me. He ended the letter by sharing his wish that by going to SMU, I would be a daughter of Texas and given the love and support I deserved. Over my time at SMU my dad grew to be my strongest supporter, my best friend, my mentor and a great dad. I bought this paver for a father's day gift, to thank him again for all he did for me. My dad lost his battle with cancer on fathers day so he never knew about this gift. I know it is there and someday I will be proud to show it to my kids and tell them our story.