WACO, Texas (June 8, 2023) – Baylor University today announced a $1.5 million gift establishing the first endowed chair position in the history of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing from the family of the School’s namesake, Louise Herrington Ornelas. The Louise Herrington Endowed Chair in Mental Health will support innovative research and teaching within the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, with a special focus on the areas of mental and behavioral health research, including the need for more mental health professionals.

Baylor University today announced a $5 million gift from John and Helen Carona of Dallas, providing significant momentum and support for the renovation and construction of the Honors Residential College, as well as the University’s other major capital priorities through the Give Light Capital Fund. In recognition of their transformational gift, Baylor will name the Carona Family Commons at the Honors Residential College and the Carona Family Premium Entry in the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.

For the second year in a row, Baylor University has been named among the nation’s top 10 Most Trusted Universities, according to global research firm Morning Consult as part of its Most Trusted Brands project, the definitive measure of consumer brand trust across industries, including higher education.

For the first time in over two decades, the Baylor Bear Habitat welcomes two new live bears to the Baylor Family! The two American black bear cubs are cousins, born earlier this year. The rescue cubs will begin their gradual move to the AZA-accredited Williams Bear Habitat on campus this summer.

More than 4,000 new Baylor alumni — the largest class in BU history — crossed the Ferrell Center stage over the weekend as Baylor celebrated Commencement for the Class of 2023! Join us in welcoming the newest members of the Baylor Alumni Family.

An exhibit of selected works from the Jessica and Kelvin Beachum Family Collection, Narrative as Reality: Constructing an Identity, is on display May 6 through Nov. 5 at Baylor’s Martin Museum of Art.

Baylor University is inviting students, alumni and all associated with the Baylor Family to join in celebrating the graduation of the University’s beloved American black bear, Lady, as she moves from the campus habitat to a private, auxiliary facility fully maintained by her Baylor Bear Habitat caregivers, staff and veterinary team.

Baylor University is mourning the passing of longtime University benefactor and dedicated alumnus William K. “Bill” Robbins of Houston. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jo Robbins, with whom he shared a passionate love of Baylor and a deep commitment to its Christian mission.

The honor recognizes Rev. Robert Gilbert (BA ’67) and Barbara Walker (BA ’67) — Baylor’s first two Black graduates for the trails they blazed in helping integrate Baylor more than a century after its founding.

Like many sports fans, Deonte Epps (BA ’13) grew up watching SportsCenter, dreaming of someday being a part of the network. Unlike many sports fans, Epps has actually made it happen.