Remembered as world-renowned financier and politician, Jesse Holman Jones, or "Mr. Houston," carved out a distinguished place in Texas history. Jones was credited with transforming Houston, Texas into a hub of international commerce for the South, Through his many business ventures in real estate and banking, Jones solidified the petroleum industry's place in the city's business community and established the Houston Ship Channel. He also served under three presidents. At the start of World War I, Woodrow Wilson appointed Jones Director General of Military Relief for the American Red Cross. During the Great Depression, Herbert Hoover appointed Jones to the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, which was created to provide relief to the nation's banks and get the economy back on track. He later served as Secretary of Commerce under Franklin D. Roosevelt. In recognition of his integral devotion to the growth of Texas and contributions and service to the United States, SMU was honored to confer upon Jesse Holman Jones the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

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