Although I am a Lifetime Member of the “B” Association, I am new to the “B” Association in an administrative role.  A “Rookie” for sure.  One of the first things I observed since coming on board is the amount and quality of work that comes out of the “B” Association office with respect to the support given our letterwinners.  Hard to believe that all of this activity comes from just 3 staff members (Walter, Tammy and Lauren) and that they manage to do it all from a single 10’x16’ office.  Small staff and small physical footprint, but the amount of representation and engagement is pretty amazing. 

No doubt, this is a difficult time for letterwinners and this athletic year will be a season of challenges that will test our resolve as Baylor athletes.  Yet, the important work of the “B” Association continues and your dues help make that work possible.   

I want to share with you how our membership dues are utilized:

*  Letter Awards (letter jackets, blankets, plaques, and rings) presented to student athletes each year

*  “B” Association Endowed Scholarship Fund (assists athletes with funding to complete their degrees)

*  Sponsor Student-Athlete Events (mission trips, recognition dinners, graduation lunches)

*  Fightin’ Bear Golf Tournament (benefiting “B” Association and the Baylor Golf Program)

*  Annual Baylor Night with the Texas Rangers (provides meals and transportation for honored team)

*  Bears in the Workforce (career training event matching successful alumni with current athletes)

*  Reunions & Honor Teams

*  Out of town coaches mixers and letterwinners socials

*  Game day meals

*  Day to day operational expenses

*  Legends Program

Bottom line = The “B” Association membership dues actively support letterwinners.

I think the distinction on how our dues are being utilized is worth noting especially since there is a significant amount of frustration regarding the handling of recent issues that we are all familiar with.  Often frustration is voiced through our wallets or purses.  With that said, if you are discontinuing or considering discontinuing your membership support due to those issues and/or Baylor’s handling of them, I encourage you to reconsider. Disengaging with the “B” Association over these previously mentioned issues punishes the association and the valuable programs that supports all Baylor letterwinners. It was eye-opening for me to see how our dues are put to good use.

I hope you always see the “B” Association as a community of individuals that are “all-in” to lift up and support each other and our current student athletes.   

Sic ’em BEARS!

Ken Buckley
Football Letterwinner 1977, 1980
“B” Association Board Member