Alumni Engagement Debuts New Name, New Brand – Baylor Alumni

Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-710-6275
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WACO, Texas (Aug. 30, 2019) – Beginning this fall, Baylor University's alumni engagement programs will operate under a new name and a new brand – Baylor Alumni – exemplifying the excitement and vigor with which Baylor University is growing the programs and services for alumni across the nation and around the world.

Under the expanded Baylor Alumni initiative, the University will provide an increasing variety of opportunities for members of the Baylor community to come together wherever they live, work or play, with more flexibility based on the professional involvement and interests of alumni.

"For nearly 175 years, one theme has remained unchanged across generations of Baylor alumni – a deep love for the University that has played a transformational role in their lives," said Amy C. Armstrong, associate vice president for alumni engagement at Baylor. "Under the new Baylor Alumni brand, we are engaging the Baylor alumni community in ways that are most meaningful to them. It's such an exciting time at Baylor as we unite alumni behind Baylor's future and our aspirations to become the preeminent Christian research university."

One of the first visible examples of the new brand – featuring the new Baylor Alumni logo – is the Baylor Alumni Tailgate tent by Touchdown Alley at McLane Stadium. From 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday before the Baylor Bears' season opener, the Baylor Alumni Tailgate will provide food, entertainment and an opportunity for Baylor alumni and fans to connect and network. They also can pick up a free window cling with the new Baylor Alumni logo to display their pride as Baylor graduates.

Among the initiatives of Baylor Alumni will be to develop the ability for alumni to plug into resources and activities online, broaden a mentorship program that allows alumni to help current or recent students with professional networking and provide career services for alumni, such as the University currently provides students. Baylor alumni also are encouraged to connect with each other through a wide range of Facebook pages for different groups of alumni and friends who share a hometown or a professional or personal interest.

Since September 2018, a volunteer-based Baylor Alumni Board of Advocates has provided a guiding voice to Baylor's increased efforts to foster lifelong relationships with present and future alumni. The Board also contributed significantly to the concept and design of the new Baylor Alumni brand.

"We wanted to be bold and proud, and we soon came to the realization that the name 'Baylor Alumni' was perfect for how we should identify ourselves," said Phil Lakin, B.B.A. '89, M.B.A. '99, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, president of the Baylor Alumni Board of Advocates.

"The University and the many friends I made during my student years have been a lifeblood to me over the three decades since I first graduated. While a student, I pledged that I would do anything for Baylor. As an alumnus, I want to keep that commitment by doing anything I can to keep Baylor strong and growing in its mission of education and service through leadership," Lakin said.

The University also will honor Baylor alumni for outstanding achievement and service in a variety of areas during the Baylor Alumni Awards ceremony set for Friday, Feb. 21, 2020.

The 2019-20 awards will feature four award categories:
Alumni of the Year – Awarded to a graduate or graduates who have demonstrated remarkable achievement in the previous year.
Young Alumni of the Year – Awarded to a graduate or graduates age 40 and under who have demonstrated remarkable achievement in the previous year.
Pro Texana Medal of Service – Awarded to an individual whose contributions in furthering the mission of Baylor have made an immeasurable impact in the public or non-profit sector.
Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service – Awarded to individuals whose broad contributions to Christian ministry have made an immeasurable impact.

Nominations for Baylor Alumni Awards open Sept. 9 and will be accepted through Oct. 31, 2019.

For more information about Baylor Alumni, the various engagement opportunities available or possible service on the Baylor Alumni Board of Advocates, contact BaylorAlumniPrograms@baylor.edu or call toll-free 1-866-281-9444.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.