Baylor University Young Alumni Triumph in Baylor-TCU Challenge

November 26, 2013

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Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-710-6275

WACO, Texas (Nov. 29, 2013) -- After four weeks of head-to-head competition in alumni giving, Baylor University young alumni demonstrated their pride in the University by joining together in support of the inaugural Baylor vs. TCU Young Alumni Challenge. At the final count, 1,315 Baylor young alumni made gifts to the University totaling more than $164,500.

Dubbed the I-35 Battle Royale, the young alumni giving competition began Oct. 25 and ended Nov. 22, capitalizing on the historic rivalry between Baylor and TCU that began in 1899 when both universities were located in Waco.

"Baylor University is blessed beyond measure to have young alumni committed to giving so selflessly to their university. As evidenced by this competition, the Baylor family cares deeply for one another and for the generations of students who will find their homes here," said Ken Hall, senior vice president for university development and strategic initiatives at Baylor. "I am proud of our young alumni for championing this cause not only as an expression of pride in Baylor, but also as a commitment to those who will follow in their footsteps."

Each university's young alumni - graduates between 2003 and 2013 - were challenged to make a gift to any area of their respective university during the month leading up to the Nov. 30 Baylor vs. TCU football game, the 109th face-off between the schools. The university closest to reaching 10 percent participation by young alumni during the competition period earned the bragging rights in the I-35 Battle Royale.

"In addition to the dozens of Baylor football watch parties hosted across the country, it was exciting to see our young alumni rally not only to beat TCU, but also to give back financially to Baylor," said Derek Stephens, BA '04, director of Baylor future alumni, young grads and social/global outreach. "It is inspiring to see the commitment these young alumni have made to our University, knowing their gifts will directly benefit future generations of Baylor students."

Baylor reached 49 percent of the participation goal, and TCU reached 40 percent. In addition, 576 young alumni made financial gifts to Baylor for the first time. Through the I-35 Battle Royale, young alumni were able to support the area of their passion, from student scholarships and mission opportunities to the Baylor Stadium Bricks campaign, each making a lasting impact on Baylor.

"I'm always amazed at how Baylor Nation rises up for any situation, and we are forever grateful to young alums all over the world who contributed and participated in the I-35 Battle Royale," said Allan Marshall, BA '07, director of foundation development at Baylor and Battle Royale volunteer. "We applaud those young alums for their sacrifice, and we appreciate every gift and will use each one to further the mission of the University. Young alums have opportunities to give back in many meaningful ways, and they rose to the occasion with their contributions to this cause."

"Upon joining the Big 12 Conference, TCU challenged Baylor to the I-35 Battle Royale with hopes of reinvigorating our historic rivalry and creating an annual tradition of philanthropy among young alumni," said Davin Allen, BA '08, assistant director of Baylor annual giving. "We are excited about this year's results and the positive feedback we received from young alumni. Even as recent graduates, Baylor alumni are committed to the future of the University and eager to contribute to its success."

Plans are underway for the young alumni competition to lead up to the Baylor vs. TCU football game each year. Baylor alumni are encouraged to visit www.baylor.edu/alumni/directory to update their information to ensure they receive information about next year's challenge.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 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 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.