Baylor Alum and Longtime Donor Pays It Forward

William Smith, M.D. ‘59, recalls his medical education with fond memories. When he applied in the fall of 1954, he applied for the three Texas medical schools—The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Baylor College of Medicine. While Dr. Smith was fortunate enough to be accepted into all three, there was never any doubt about which one he would choose to attend.  

“Baylor College of Medicine stood out as by far the best choice,” Dr. Smith said. “I thought it was one of the best in the country—then and now.” 

His good fortune continued when he finished medical school and began practicing ophthalmology in Waco, Texas. He and his wife, Amanda, had three sons and instilled within them values of perseverance, hard work and the importance of education.  

Over the years, Dr. Smith and his family have been able to see all three children and seven grandchildren through their own educational journeys. They also were lucky enough to be able to support certain causes every year, and contributing to scholarships at Baylor was always right at the top of the list.  

“When I was in medical school, there weren’t any scholarships available for general students,” Dr. Smith said. “Education is pretty expensive these days, and a lot of kids can’t really afford it. I felt like I had been fortunate, and I should help a little if I could.” 

Dr. Smith has donated to Baylor College of Medicine for the last 45 consecutive years and over 50 years, making him one of Baylor’s longest consecutive-giving donors. Sustained giving like Dr. Smith’s provides essential support for scholarships, bringing the gift of a Baylor education to more students and reducing their post-graduation debt burden. 

“I feel like I owe it to the current students,” Dr. Smith said. “It’s up to alumni like us to lead the way for the next generation, especially for those who need it.”