• Expert panels highlight Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation dedication

    Friday afternoon marked the dedication of Baylor’s new Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation. The Hankamer School of Business celebrated with a full day of events, beginning with a dedication ceremony in the morning followed by a “Leadership + Innovation Summit” in the afternoon that featured a “who’s who” of Baylor alumni.

    At the morning’s dedication, Foster explained that his gift (which launched the new facility’s construction) was simply a way for him to give back to the university that helped launch his career. “My heart has always remained close to Baylor… The reality is that Baylor contributed to my life in a meaningful way. If my contribution helps students to that end, then it’s all worth it… I am proud and honored to have had the opportunity to contribute, along with all the rest of you, to this amazing new place.”

    [LINKS: Watch the dedication || Photos from Friday’s events || Stories from the Waco Tribune-Herald and Baylor Lariat || Video look inside the Foster Campus]

    The afternoon summit was split into three public sessions, each focused on a single topic and featuring prominent members of the Baylor family who are leaders in that area:

    • Technology Forum experts: BMC Software chairman & CEO Bob Beauchamp (a Baylor Regent and parent), Splunk CEO & chairman Godfrey Sullivan, BBA ’75, and JetPay Payment Services founder and CEO Trent Voigt, BS ’86. Facilitator: ATT AdWorks president Rick Welday, BBA ’90.
    • Energy Forum experts: Western Refining executive chairman Paul Foster, BBA ’79, Halliburton EVP and CIO Mark McCollum, BBA ’80, and XTO Energy co-founder Bob Simpson, BBA ’70, MBA ’71. Facilitator: Perryman Group president and CEO Ray Perryman, BS ’74.
    • Healthcare Forum experts: Baylor Scott & White Health CEO Joel Allison, BA ’70, American Group, HCA president Jon Foster, BBA ’84, and Methodist Health System EVP Laura Irvine, BBA ’94. Facilitator: Baylor executive vice-president and provost Ed Trevathan.

    You can click on each of those forum titles above to watch the complete video of that session. If you have business or personal interests in any of these areas, I think you’ll find them both interesting and useful.

    Sic ’em, Paul Foster and all who made this facility (and this day) reality!