Almost six years ago — Nov. 2, 2018 — we wrote about the public launch of “Give Light,” Baylor’s new fundraising plan aimed at helping the university reach some of its strategic, long-term goals.
The goal: $1.1 billion to support increased student scholarship support, more endowed faculty positions, area-specific funds for research and other projects, and capital projects such as renovating Tidwell Bible Building, expanding Memorial and Allen halls to grow the Honors Residential College, a new welcome center, a new basketball arena, and a new football operations center.
Earlier this month, the university announced the successful conclusion of Give Light. So, how did the campaign do?
- Blew past the original goal by almost 40%, raising $1.5 billion overall
- 873 new endowed scholarships
- 48 new endowed faculty positions
- 330 new endowed funds, plus $600 million for current needs
- Tidwell Bible Building renovation completed in 2021
- Hurd Welcome Center opened in 2023
- Foster Pavilion opened in 2024
- Memorial/Allen renovation and expansion should be complete by this fall, and Draper has also been renovated to serve the Honors College
- Fudge Football Development Center should be complete by this fall
In all, more than 101,000 Baylor alumni, parents, friends and institutions joined in to make such a long list of goals possible in such a short time.
“The world needs a Baylor — and this unifying truth is resoundingly echoed through the generosity of our Baylor Family,” says President Linda Livingstone. “Together, we have answered the call of support from this institution, and together we will continue to build this bright future so the world will see Christ through the impact of Baylor University.”
Sic ’em, Baylor Family!