University officials announced Thursday that an anonymous Baylor graduate has pledged his or her estate, conservatively estimated to be in the $200 million range, to the University. The funds will benefit medical research in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Social Work, and other programs.
When numbers that large are tossed around, some context is necessary. At $200 million, the gift is the second largest gift ever made to a Texas college or university and ranks among the top 20 private gifts ever made to higher education, according to data compiled by the Chronicle of Higher Education. It’s easily the largest gift in Baylor history, surpassing the $22 million from the estate of Alwin O. Highers Jr.
Within the College of Arts and Sciences, the gift will allow Baylor to continue studying issues related to aging, “addressing the physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs and strengths of the aging in a truly holistic approach.” Strong programs in pre-health, psychology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience and other related areas will likely all be involved in such efforts. Likewise, within the School of Social Work, tomorrow’s social workers will be able to further study the care of older adults in ways that honor the patients.
Sic ’em, Anonymous Donor, for your overwhelming generosity to Baylor and support for our students!
