Why I Give To Baylor University

Giving back some of what your employer pays you has always felt a bit strange to me. Working for an institution that I WANT to give back to is not only strange, it’s a real rarity and a sizable blessing! That is my experience at Baylor University. I’ve run it through my head occasionally that if I ever won the lottery, I’d make a “naming gift” for a new Student Center. The “Tom At Baylor Student Center” has a nice ring to it. Then I’d forgo a salary and continue showing up to everything. Rumor has it that Bill Daniel used to ride his horse onto campus just to hang out with the students. That sounds about right to me. I just need a horse…and a sizable lottery win.
 *Yes, that was total silliness. I'm not sure I'd actually ever be comfortable with my name on a building, or owning a horse for that matter.

Seriously, though, why should I give part of my salary back? I’ll tell you why…because Baylor University is an investment that pays immediate and life-changing dividends in the lives of students. Every dollar I contribute is one that is taken off of the student loan of a current or future student, or it is an investment into a program that will directly benefit them.
 
There is a popular misconception about Baylor University students. It is so popular that I’ve had to correct even my own family members. The belief is that Baylor students all come from wealthy families who simply write a large check to the university each year. If that were true, I’m quite certain that we’d have little need for an annual giving day. Baylor is most certainly a private institution, which makes its brand feel more elite than most state schools. That’s true, but it's not the whole story. Baylor provides millions upon millions of dollars in scholarship funds each year that open the door for students who otherwise likely could not afford to pay for their education here. More than 9 out of every 10 students receive some form of financial aid at Baylor. 
 
Over my 3+ years at Baylor, I have met many of our students. Every one of them, without fail, is a young person that I believe will change the world. I don’t see them as merely capable of changing the world. They have the hearts and work ethics to actually do the work! I believe so strongly in our students that I am proud to make a donation tomorrow on Baylor’s annual Giving Day. Me personally? This year, I’m giving toward Line Camp Financial Aid. There isn’t a program that I know about at Baylor that has a more lasting effect on our students’ engagement and excitement about being a Bear!
 
I hope you’ll join me. A donation to Baylor University is a direct investment in the lives of very deserving young men and women. I'd recommend considering any program in Student Life as being a program worthy of investment! I'm a little biased toward the work of this division, but I can vouch for it. 

Just go to www.baylor.edu/GivingDay at any point tomorrow and be a part of Baylor Giving Day!