Tom, BBA '60 and Pat Powers, BBA '62

Tom and Pat Powers of Houston have chosen to invest in the lives of future generations, leaving lasting legacies in two fields of common interest: education and healthcare. We honor their significant contributions through the presentation of the Baylor Legacy Award.

Pat Graves Powers (BBA ’62) was born in Oklahoma, spent her early childhood in the Texas Panhandle and graduated from high school in Pasadena, Texas as a National Merit Finalist. She attended Baylor on an academic scholarship.

Born in East Texas, Tom Powers (BBA ’60) grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. He finished in the top one percent of his high school class but had no resources for college tuition. Encouraged by Milton Cunningham (BA ’50), a friend from church who later became a Texas Baptist leader and Baylor Board member, Tom set his sights on Baylor and secured an academic scholarship to attend. At Baylor, he met his future bride, Pat.

After graduation, Tom worked for national accounting firm Price Waterhouse then joined a privately owned investment operation led by former U.S. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen. In 1976, Tom and a business associate organized the acquisition of an investment advisory firm that was part of Bentsen Group holdings and negotiated the sale of the entire operation to Transamerica Corp. in 1990.

Early in her career, Pat served in various management positions in Houston-based companies before becoming a full-time mom to the couple’s three children. Later, she established an interior design firm, obtained her ASID and developed a career in commercial and residential design.

Pat’s love for children and the underserved led her to a 25-year-long relationship with DePelchin Children’s Center, where she serves on the board. She also serves on the advisory board of Baylor’s School of Social Work.

Tom was a Baylor Regent from 1988-97 and Regent chair from 1996-97. During his tenure he helped develop Baylor’s endowment management strategy, utilizing expertise in investment management gained at the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, from which he retired last year and where he serves on the board. He also assisted with Baylor’s transition from the Southwest Conference to the Big 12.

The Powers’ commitment to giving back is a staple of their marriage. As newlyweds, they made a commitment that as soon as they had the resources, Baylor would be on their priority list.

The couple established the Pat and Tom Powers Chair in Investment Management and several scholarships for business and social work students. They also contributed to the construction of McLane Student Life Center, McLane Stadium and the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation.