Baylor Launches The Luminaries Society to Honor Medical School Alumni Celebrating 40+ Years Since Graduation
Baylor College of Medicine is proud to announce the establishment of The Luminaries Society, a new legacy program created to recognize Baylor medical school alumni who have reached their 40th graduation anniversary and beyond. Beginning in Spring 2026, the College will induct members of the Class of 1986, as well as members of all preceding Classes, into the Society.
The name “Luminaries” reflects the guiding principle articulated by Dr. Michael E. DeBakey: “History, the torch that illuminates.”
The Society recognizes more than 5,000 distinguished alumni whose lifetime of service has left an indelible mark on medicine, having trained the next generations of leaders in the health sciences, advancing biomedical discoveries, serving their communities and invested generously in Baylor’s mission, with over $68 million in lifetime alumni giving.
“Our alumni’s experiences are invaluable to the College, and this makes them as much a part of our future as our current students,” said Paul Klotman, M.D., president, CEO and executive dean of Baylor College of Medicine. “Baylor created The Luminaries Society to honor the impact of our alumni and preserve its bond with them.”
The Luminaries Society will provide members with exclusive opportunities to stay connected to Baylor and one another, including:
- Annual Alumni Reunion attendance: Members are invited to attend all future Reunion events, not just their milestone years.
- Quarterly social gatherings: Virtual and in-person events designed for connection across the country.
- Senior Emeriti Faculty Group: An inspiring community where alumni can meet students, advise on special College initiatives and continue to shape Baylor’s future.
An alum’s membership in The Luminaries Society is automatic upon reaching the 40th anniversary of his or her graduation from the School of Medicine. The first class of The Luminaries Society members will be officially inducted at The Luminaries Society reception, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 6:00 p.m., during the 2026 Baylor College of Medicine Alumni Reunion Weekend.
“Dr. DeBakey once reminded us that our history is essential to illuminating the path before us,” said Dr. Klotman. “While our students inspire bold new ideas for approaching medical practice, our alumni possess steadfast insights that result only after decades of being tested in that medical practice. Baylor needs to listen to both to accomplish its mission of educating tomorrow’s health sciences leaders.”
To learn more about The Luminaries Society, please visit the website or contact Alumni Affairs at alumni@bcm.edu.
