Stories of generosity that reflect the heart of the Baylor Family and the bright futures being shaped for generations to come.
Sharalynn (BBA '91) & Tim (BBA '92) Fenn established the Tim and Sharalynn Fenn Family Endowed Chair in Materials Science to honor their fathers’ legacies in engineering and to support faculty and research at Baylor. Inspired by the University’s strategic focus on Materials Science, the Fenns saw an opportunity to support cutting-edge research that advances sustainability and innovation. Their gift not only creates opportunities for faculty and fuels high-impact research—it also reflects the Fenns’ deep belief in giving where Baylor has the greatest need. That sense of purpose became even more personal when they learned the inaugural chairholder, Dr. Julia Y. Chan, was a fellow Baylor student during their own time on campus.
"Earning a scholarship is just encouraging. It's them saying that we have this confidence in you that with this gift we're giving you, you're going to steward it and use it wisely."
"You may come into life with nothing. You leave with nothing, but you can leave something while you're here. And I think that's true of the philanthropy."
"Scholarships have really helped me to experience and enjoy my time here at Baylor without any financial burden. And looking back at that, that's been life changing for me."
Opening Doors for Future Bears
Empowering tomorrow’s leaders through the gift of education
Scholarships opened the door for Ava Roat to study abroad—a life-changing experience that revealed the challenges faced by those navigating healthcare in a second language. Hear how her trip to Spain deepened her passion and helped shape her career path.
Josh Thayil shares how scholarships and Baylor’s intentional approach to education are shaping not just his future in medicine—but the kind of physician he hopes to become. Hear more about his journey at Baylor.
For many students, a scholarship is more than financial aid—it’s the key that unlocks their Baylor journey. As retired educators and scholarship recipients, alumni Charlie (BME ’79, MDiv ’10) and Cindy Fuller (BME ’79, BM ’80) understand how transformative access to a Baylor education can be. Their story is a powerful reminder: when Baylor’s donors give from the heart, they help students discover their calling, nurture their growth, and shape a future filled with purpose.
From the moment they stepped foot on campus, Andres and his mother knew Baylor was exactly where he belonged. Two years later, this first-generation biology major from Colorado was surprised on stage by President Livingstone with a scholarship that will ease the financial weight of finishing his undergraduate degree. And when it was time to share the news, Andres knew exactly who needed to hear it first.
For Sharalynn (BBA '91) & Tim (BBA '92) Fenn, what began as a way to give back to a place that gave them both so much grew into a meaningful family legacy. Hear how they instilled a tradition of generosity in their children while supporting generations of Baylor Bears.
Scholarships opened the door for Daniel Chang to join a community of faith-driven, ambitious peers and professors who truly care. Hear how his Baylor journey began and what he says makes Baylor so special.
Strengthening Baylor’s Academic Future
Advancing excellence through the power of philanthropic support
Inspired by their faith and a deep love for higher education, Charlie (BME ’79, MDiv ’10) and Cindy Fuller (BME ’79, BM ’80) chose to extend their Baylor legacy by establishing the Fuller Family Endowed Chair for Social Justice in the School of Social Work. Charlie and Cindy see this chair as an opportunity to advance Baylor’s Christian mission through faculty research that will “help the lives of people but also to inform the lives of Churches.” Their gift reflects a deep belief and desire to support scholarship that embodies the Gospel in caring for others.
John (BBA ’79) and Nancy (BSEd ’79) Jackson's support of Baylor University's engagement with the Latin American community—both within the U.S. and abroad—led them to establish the Jackson Family Chair for Baylor in Latin America. Their endowment supports a vision for greater engagement, where academic excellence brings attention to critical issues and fosters meaningful connections. This endowed chair empowers chairholder Felipe Hinojosa, Ph.D., to engage faculty across the University in deeper research, expand understanding, and further Baylor's mission across borders and generations.