Baylor Black Alumni Alliance Hosts Reunion, Recognizes Distinguished Graduates

The fourth annual reunion of the Baylor Black Alumni Alliance was held in September. Participants honored distinguished alumni and enjoyed opportunities to connect throughout the weekend events. 

Attendees started the weekend with the Distinguished Achievement Awards Ceremony and continued the following day with the Baylor Black Alumni Alliance tailgate and the Baylor vs. Arizona State football game. Attendance and participation in these events are open to all.

The awards ceremony included the presentation of the highest awards given by the Baylor Black Alumni Alliance: the Rev. Robert L. Gilbert and Mrs. Barbara Walker Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Awards. The Mrs. Barbara Walker Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Award was first presented last year, and both awards are named in honor of the first Black students to graduate from Baylor. These awards honor Baylor Black alumni who exemplify service, leadership and impact in their communities and professions.

The awards ceremony benefited the Dr. Vivienne Malone-Mayes Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to a Baylor student who demonstrates a commitment to leadership and service. 

Throughout the weekend, the group also honored the life, legacy and achievements of Baylor legend John (JJ) Joe, B.B.A. ’93.

Mrs. Barbara Walker Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Award

Tiffany Jones-Smith, B.A. ’95

Tiffany Jones-Smith is president and CEO of the Texas Kidney Foundation and chair of the Texas Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force, where she leads statewide efforts to improve kidney health through community-driven innovation and measurable results. A nationally recognized leader, she has advanced research, policy and education initiatives that reflect her commitment to public health, market-based solutions and empowering underserved communities.

Rev. Robert L. Gilbert Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Award

Brian Benson, B.S. ’05, D.M.P.

Dr. Brian Benson is a fellowship-trained reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon with expertise in complex lower extremity procedures, currently serving as an attending surgeon at Beauregard Health System and associate professor at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. A passionate mentor and advocate for diversity in medicine, he also contributes nationally as a device consultant and design surgeon, and he is a published academic and panelist/moderator for the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit.