Catapulting our university forward are alumni and parents, faculty and staff, students and friends who participate in campus life. Whatever areas hold meaning for you, we celebrate your place in the caring community whose time, talent and treasure makes the difference for our Bears. It is our privilege to highlight the participation of our Baylor Family as we build upon the success of the past year to advance our shared aspirations for the future.
A Flashback to Fall Recognition of Alumni Achievements
When alumni reunite in homage to their alma mater and to shared affinities, they strengthen their Baylor experiences while paving the way for those who follow. The Baylor Black Alumni Alliance Achievement Awards brought together 350 participants in September to celebrate their peers and fellow Bears.
Held at the Hurd Welcome Center, the dinner event recognized Honorees of the Reverend Robert Gilbert Distinguished Black Alumni Award (Rev. Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert, Alger “Ben” Baker, Jr., and Christopher Charles Scott) and the Mrs. Barbara Walker Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Award (Tiffanie Blackmon-Jones and Gabrielle “Gabe” Madison-Taylor). Congratulations to the honorees, and heartfelt thanks to all participants for their unwavering commitment to uplifting our university and each other.
The Baylor Black Alumni Alliance was chartered in 1985 as the Black Alumni Club by students seeking to extend their Baylor experiences. The dedicated group has awarded more than $50,000 in academic scholarships to aspiring Bears, with special attention to funding the Dr. Vivienne Malone-Mayes Scholarship, in honor of her remarkable legacy at Baylor and beyond.
Baylor Athletics Riding a Wave of Momentum into the New Year
Last fall, the Baylor Sports Outreach team hosted events and provided opportunities for alumni, parents and friends to connect in celebration of Baylor Athletics.
Representatives from Baylor’s 2013 and 2014 championship football teams shared memories from their historic seasons with 150 guests as part of the Lunch with a Legend series. Spencer Drango (BBA ’14, MBA ’22), Clay Fuller (BBA ’15), Eddie Lackey (BSEd ’14), and Levi Norwood (BA ’14, MScEd ’18) regaled the group with stories of stellar seasons in the life of Baylor Football, as the 2024 team closed out their season with determination and heart at the Texas Bowl.
Along the way, the Baylor Family gathered with gusto to cheer on their Bears, with nearly 7,000 alumni, parents and friends attending 8 tailgate events at home and on the road. As Basketball season got underway, Tip Off Tours in Tyler, Dallas and Houston saw 500 fans fling their green and gold to launch another season of hoops, proudly based within the new Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, which was dedicated in September, together with the Fudge Football Development Center.
Engaging the Baylor Family Builds a Bright Year Ahead
The Baylor Family answers the call for support to see that our Bears have unparalleled resources and opportunities to excel through their callings. You may have been contacted by students serving in our Engagement Center about how you can make a difference. Here, some of these dedicated ambassadors share about their work on behalf of our university and the meaningful connections made with Baylor alumni, parents and friends as a result.
What are highlights of your work in the Baylor University Engagement Center?
Dylan: "Some of the highlights I have had during my time in BUEC include getting the opportunity to hear incredible stories from Baylor alumni who were once in my shoes as Baylor students, while also getting to share my perspective as a current student. I also really enjoy collaborating with other Baylor Students who work in the BUEC who have a similar passion for making connections and philanthropy. "
Marguerite: "My highlights for working in the BUEC is just the opportunity to talk with alumni from different generations and backgrounds and learn their story beyond Baylor."
Emily: "This role has been great in developing my communication skills. Engaging with alumni, parents, and Baylor families through calls has strengthened my connection to the Baylor community."
Sylvia: "Working in the BUEC has helped to me to learn how to build rapport with people and have meaningful conversations which has helped me grow my professional skills for a future career. (But of course the fun people I get to work with!)"
Annabella: "I love getting to speak with alumni and hear about the things, people, and moments that made their time at Baylor so special. Everyone’s story is so unique, and everyone can agree that Baylor is a special place. "
Jasmin: "I really love the community of the Engagement Center. I feel a strong connection towards a lot of my co-workers, and they make the shifts a lot better."
Chloe: "Some of the highlights from my work at the BUEC are the conversations that I am able to have with people about their experiences and journey at Baylor. Through hearing from alumni to parents, it’s always touching to hear everyone’s unique story of how Baylor has helped influence their lives."
What is the best advice or story you’ve received through your calls to the Baylor Family?
Dylan: "The best piece of advice I have received came from one Baylor alumnus who told me to “Take every opportunity to make the most of your experience.” Being a current senior with one semester before graduation, I really took this advice to heart as it is something I hope to accomplish through these next few months."
Marguerite: "The best advice I have gotten is that Baylor is a place where all is possible, but you have to work to make it happen."
Emily: "A memorable conversation was with someone who worked internationally in real estate, which aligns with my career goals. He shared advice and even offered to be a contact if I ever needed guidance, which was very kind."
Sylvia: "Some of the best advice I have received from my calls is to remember to enjoy my time here at Baylor. With classes and other activities, it can become easy to get stuck in a routine or focused on priorities but many people have reminded me to remember to have moments of fun and make memories with friends because these years go by quickly."
Annabella: "The best advice I’ve received is to make the most of my time at Baylor and never turn down an opportunity. Some of the most amazing stories I’ve heard were because those alumni said yes to something they might not have usually said yes to and only good things came from them!"
Jasmin: "The best advice I’ve received (as cliche as it may sound) was to enjoy my time in college and at Baylor because I will miss it so much. I find that a lot of times I get caught up in the schooling side of college that I forget to live my life. I’ve been told to be young and make mistakes and to take chances and it will work itself out."
Chloe: "Some of the best advice that I’ve received through my calls to the Baylor family was to get as involved with the Baylor community as [much as] possible. I have talked to many people who advised that what truly allowed them to make the most of their Baylor experience was their decision to get involved within the community."
What have you learned about Philanthropy through your work at the Engagement Center?
Dylan: "During my time as an Advancement Ambassador, I have learned how big of an impact even a small gift can make. Participation-level gifts make up a very large percentage of our total gifts every year, and while they may seem like only a small amount given on each call, those gifts really do make a substantial impact over time."
Marguerite: "I have learned that philanthropy is more about the connections you make rather than the money that is raised."
Emily: "Philanthropy is a core value of the Baylor Family, and it’s inspiring to see how much pride people take in giving back. Through my work, I’ve learned that philanthropy isn’t just about financial contributions but it’s about creating a lasting legacy and supporting the future of our community."
Sylvia: "Working at BUEC has taught me that Philanthropy is more than giving or receiving gifts. It’s about being able to make a difference and provide service for people to reach a greater goal. "
Annabella: "I have learned that philanthropy is so very impactful and has the opportunity to change the lives of so many people. Not only that but it can take many forms and depends on the help of more than one person."
Jasmin: "I’ve learned that people feel inclined to be generous if they feel connected to the person/thing of interest. I’ve had lots of people donate just because they enjoyed talking to me."
Chloe: "My work at the BUEC had taught me that philanthropy can take on various forms but still be equally impactful."
Through the gifts of time, talent and treasure, the Baylor Family elevates the experiences of our Bears.