March 19, 2011

WACO, Texas -- The call came loud and clear: Rise up. This challenge, echoed by so many, is not just the rallying cry of Baylor Athletics; it is a charge resounding throughout the Baylor community, calling everyone to action.

In light of the recently launched President's Scholarship Initiative, the Baylor faithful have responded with enthusiasm and generosity despite an uncertain economic climate and an ambitious $100 million goal. The Baylor Bear Foundation is the next big player to step up to the plate with the announcement of the Baylor Bear Foundation Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund.

"The Bear Foundation does a tremendous job of raising scholarship funds for current student-athletes," said Baylor Athletic Director Ian McCaw. "What they're doing now is taking it to the next level to provide those essential funds for countless future generations of Baylor student-athletes."

The Baylor Bear Foundation's new fund is the first of its kind to be established by the Foundation and is open to contributions from both Bear Foundation members and non-members alike.

"The Bear Foundation's mission is to ensure that our exceptional student-athletes have the scholarship support they need to come to Baylor," Doug Smith, executive director of Baylor Bear Foundation, said. "With that, we also must recognize our responsibility for future student-athletes. It is imperative that we are not only good stewards of the funds we have now, but that we are diligently preparing for seasons to come."

Last fall, Baylor University President Ken Starr launched The President's Scholarship Initiative with a goal of raising $100 million in endowed scholarship funds by 2013. Student-athlete scholarships are a top priority, along with need and merit-based academic scholarships and "out-of-the-classroom" enrichment scholarships.

"The more that we can build the endowment, the healthier we'll be as an athletic program," McCaw said.

The push to expand Baylor's scholarship endowment comes in response to the rising cost of education at colleges and universities nationally. From around the globe, students come to Baylor to pursue a robust education in a distinctively Christian environment, and student-athletes are no exception. A Baylor experience allows student-athletes to pursue a prestigious Baylor degree while competing athletically at the highest collegiate level; and Baylor's student-athlete grade point averages and graduation rates are among the nation's highest, reflecting an unparalleled commitment to excellence in both spheres. Additionally, Baylor student-athletes gain valuable experiences working with Baylor's Sports Ministry Program, going on international mission trips and serving charitable Central Texas organizations.

A groundswell of support for Baylor Athletics, as a whole, developed this past summer during the Big 12 Conference realignment that threatened Baylor's place among the nation's elite universities and athletic programs. Prominent Baylor alumni and friends around the country quickly came to the school's aid and all was resolved with the Big 12 largely remaining intact.

The buzz for Baylor sports is growing louder as the University impresses in all 19 competitive sports. Baylor football achieved unprecedented success this season, earning a spot in the BCS Top 25 rankings for the first time in the Big 12 era, becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1995 and receiving a coveted invitation to the Texas Bowl. Another milestone for Baylor Athletics came as a result of last year's Men's and Women's basketball teams making successful late season NCAA Tournament runs. Both teams were highly ranked in preseason polls, giving Baylor its first occasion to have all three sports nationally ranked at one time. The Lady Bears continue to dominate women's basketball, currently ranked number three in the nation. While Baylor men's basketball improved with a big win over Texas A&M University in their last game.

McCaw attributes much of that success to quality coaches who are all exceptional recruiters, with scholarships providing a big assist.

"Certainly, we are on an upper trajectory with all of our sports," he said. "Endowed athletic scholarship funds allow the University to support the nation's best and brightest student-athletes. Our coaches are all doing a tremendous job. And your support for athletic scholarships allows them to continue that great work into the future."

The Baylor Bear Foundation Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund will be a vital component of that continued effort, and all friends of Baylor are invited to support this growing priority.

"Never before has the whole of Baylor Nation had such an opportunity to impact the long-term well-being of Baylor's athletic program," Smith said. "We are asking Baylor fans to jump off the sidelines and join the effort," Smith encouraged. "We can do great things for the future of Baylor student-athletes and Baylor Athletics with this new fund. It's the collective effort that makes any team a success, and the same is certainly true here."

While all are invited to contribute to the Baylor Bear Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund, this is an excellent opportunity for everyone in Baylor Nation to participate in The President's Scholarship Initiative.

Bear Foundation members who wish to create their own endowed athletic scholarship will benefit from additional points toward their annual membership. Bear Foundation members earn points, based on their giving, which determine priority in seat location, seat upgrades and preferred parking for Baylor Athletic events at home and away. This includes everything from pre-season games, to post-season events like the NCAA Tournament or Bowl games. Bear Foundation points for the athletic endowed scholarship fund and other giving are explained on the Bear Foundation website.

The call--Rise up--has been issued once again, and the Baylor Bear Foundation has responded with an opportunity to support the University, its student-athletes and its athletic programs--in one concentrated place.

Baylor offers many opportunities to support student-athletes. For more information about the Baylor Bear Foundation Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund, establishing your own endowed athletic scholarship, or becoming a Legacy Legend with a planned gift to Baylor Athletics, please contact Doug Smith, Rick Darnell or Rob Kennedy at (254) 710-2561. Or, show your support by making a gift online today. Baylor University is excited to announce that any new endowed athletic scholarship fund may have a designated preference to any academic unit.

About the Baylor Bear Foundation
The Baylor Bear Foundation, the primary fundraising organization for Baylor University Athletics, was established more than 70 years ago with this purpose of providing scholarship funds for Baylor's student-athletes and supporting and promoting the interest and welfare of Baylor Athletics. The Bear Foundation supports all 19 Baylor sports.

Contributing to the Baylor Bear Foundation annually provides donors with many benefits including the opportunity of purchasing priority football, men's basketball and women's basketball season, road and post-season tickets.