Wallis Family Endows Scholarship to Support Future Students at Temple Campus
The Dr. John and Ruth Belew Endowed Scholarship will provide tuition and fee support in perpetuity for generations of Temple campus students.
Students at the School of Medicine’s new regional campus in Temple who demonstrate a love for academics and research will soon have another avenue of financial support thanks to a $150,000 gift from Baylor College of Medicine Trustee Christopher D. Wallis and his wife, Kristin. Established in honor of Mr. Wallis’ aunt and uncle, The Dr. John and Ruth Belew Endowed Scholarship will provide tuition and fee support in perpetuity for generations of students at the Temple campus, which opened in August 2023.
Known to Mr. Wallis as his “Uncle Bubba,” John Belew, Ph.D., and his wife have dedicated their lives to higher education. Dr. Belew received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Baylor University and eventually returned to his alma mater to teach and pursue research. Shortly after, Ruth joined the Baylor University theater program, where she taught modern dance and stage movement.
Throughout his career, Dr. Belew recognized the importance of combining research and education in the classroom, believing they reinforced each other. Even at the age of 102, Dr. Belew’s quest for knowledge continues as he remains abreast of the latest advancements in chemistry and maintains relationships with many former students and faculty members.
“We envision the Belew Scholar to be a student who exemplifies my aunt’s and uncle’s outstanding character and empathy for others while possessing a passion for education and research,” Mr. Wallis said.