Kate McLane Dimmitt, BBA '56

Longtime Baylor advocate Kate McLane Dimmitt held a special place in her heart for the University well before her days as a student here. Since then, she has continued giving back to her alma mater, like so many in her family. We honor her significant contributions through the presentation of the Baylor Legacy Award.

While growing up in Cameron, Texas, Kate McLane Dimmitt (BBA ’56) remembers her church receiving visits from the Baylor Religious Hour Choir, which greatly influenced her perception of Baylor. On a visit to campus, Dimmitt was struck by its beauty and friendly atmosphere, and she soon became a Baylor freshman residing in Alexander Hall.

After Baylor, Dimmitt worked for Tennessee Gas Transmission Co. in Houston. She married Malcolm R. “Mac” Dimmitt, an assistant U.S. District Attorney. When he died suddenly in 1970, the young widow, then with a small daughter, returned to work as a legal assistant for a law firm, now Sullins, Johnston, Rohrbach and Magers, until she moved to Temple in 1989.

She values the lifelong friends she made at Baylor. One of her favorite Baylor-related activities is getting together with her former classmates—a group that calls themselves “The Baylor Chicks of ’56”—for such Baylor events as Spring Fling.

Because being part of the larger Baylor family has influenced her and her family’s life, Dimmitt has sought to maintain the connection to the University and advance its objectives.

Dimmitt supported the construction of McLane Stadium and hopes the enthusiasm generated by the facility will remain prevalent among the student body for years to come. A fan of the football program, she believes an exciting team enhances the whole Baylor experience and compels people to participate.

Named the 2005 Distinguished Baylor Woman of Central Texas, Dimmitt faithfully supports student scholarships. She is a member of the Endowed Scholarship Society and the 1845 Society. She served on the President’s Scholarship Initiative Steering Committee and the Baylor Development Council.

Dimmitt and her family gave the 48-bell, 22-ton McLane Carillon to Baylor in 1988. Ringing daily from atop Pat Neff Hall, the bells’ melodies are a treasured part of campus life.

Her family is made up of fellow Bears, including daughter Katie Garrison (BSEd ’85), son-in-law Jimmy Garrison (BBA ’85) and grandchildren, Martha Garrison (BS ’12) and Sam Garrison, a Baylor sophomore.