A record number of SMU alumni from the Class of 2008 had raised $30,000 for new scholarships for needy students. Nearly half (48%) of that cohort contributed, making it the highest participation rate ever for Senior Class Gift, an annual university tradition where graduates give back to their alma mater. The new Class of 2008 Scholarship - worth $10,000 each - was awarded to three undergraduates: Serene Tan, Susanti and Ang Chui Khim at SMU's 9th Patron's Day on 6 February 2009.

A day to mark the university's founding and to celebrate the year's achievements, President S R Nathan, who is the Patron of SMU, together with SMU Pro-Chancellor Mr Yong Pung How and SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping, joined some 1,200 students and staff in a day of carnival games and activities. Awards were also given out to students who excelled in community leadership, volunteerism, sports, arts and culture. A rock concert on the Campus Green capped the day's festivities.

Patron's Day also marked the launched of SMU PYXIS, the first Digital Library of the university. An integrated digital platform armed with the latest search and discovery tools, it promises to transform the ordinary library experience to one as familiar and quick as Google or Amazon. Students can now use a one-stop-shop portal to obtain research materials, read ratings, and write their own reviews. It also allows federated searches across multiple databases as well as the wealth of materials found in SMU's institutional repository. SMU PYXIS marks a successful integration of digital and non-digital intellectual assets, making them accessible through personalised, value-added services. PYXIS - the winning entry coined by second year law undergraduate Nathanael Lee - refers to a constellation said to have guided sailors in their navigation.