June 19, 2009
WACO, Texas - Thanks to the loyalty of its many fans and friends, the Baylor Bear Foundation (BBF) registered its fifth consecutive record-breaking fund-raising year, Baylor Senior Associate Athletic Director/Executive Bear Foundation Director
Doug Smith announced Friday.
For the 2008-09 fiscal year, which ended May 31, the Bear Foundation contributed a record $6.346 million for scholarship support of Baylor's 18 intercollegiate athletics programs through annual giving ($4.056 million), endowment interest ($1.282 million) and sky box revenues ($1.007 million). The BBF's 2008-09 total is an increase of more than $895,000 from the previous year's record total of $5.451 million.
"This year's record-breaking fundraising total for the Bear Foundation is truly extraordinary in light of the challenging economic conditions that exist," said Baylor Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. "The success of this year's fund drive is a credit to our generous and loyal donors, the diligence of our volunteers and the outstanding work of the Bear Foundation staff. With the continued support of our alumni and friends, Baylor Athletics will build upon its momentum and realize increased academic and athletic accomplishment."
The Bear Foundation's year-ending totals do not reflect capital gifts given during the year. Baylor opened the $36 million Highers Athletics Complex, which includes the Simpson Athletics and Academic Center, last November. Last fall, ground was broken on the Jay and Jenny Allison Indoor Practice Facility and that project will be completed in August. Enhancements to Getterman Stadium and the Baylor Tennis Center are underway and slated to be completed by September.
Over the last five years, the Bear Foundation's support has more than doubled, from $3.015 million in 2004-05 to the record-breaking 2008-09 total. The Bear Foundation topped the $4 million mark in support for the first time in 2006-07 and reached $5 million the following year.
"For the fifth consecutive year, the Bear Foundation has increased its contributions to Baylor Athletics for scholarships for our student-athletes ," Smith said. "It is fantastic and unbelievable with what the economy has done. What this shows is that more and more of our fans and donors are enthusiastic about our upcoming football season and what has happened this past year.
"In our last month (May), we raised close to a $1 million, which is very impressive," he added. "I have to give credit to our staff and volunteers who made it happened. Everything is just so positive right now and that's a reflection on our fund-raising efforts. Our people understand this and they are so excited. They are committed to Baylor University and Baylor Athletics."
Academically, Baylor student-athletes continue to set the bar high in the classroom, producing a school-record 462 2008-09 Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll selections and leading the Big 12 Conference in the NCAA's Graduation Success Rate (84) for the third consecutive year.
In 2008-09, Baylor won five Big 12 Conference championships, which tied Oklahoma for the second-most crowns behind Texas' league-leading seven titles this past year, and a school-record 14 teams participated in postseason play.
Since 2004-05, Baylor teams have won 25 Big 12 championships to rank second behind Texas' 44 titles and ahead of Texas A&M (24), Oklahoma (23) and Nebraska (22).
