Giving Profiles

Cartter Lupton ’71

Occupation:
Has owned and operated a number of businesses; involved in family investments and with the Lyndhurst Foundation.

His Gift:
He has spearheaded effort to raise money for the Merit Scholarship Fund, which supports Baylor’s Distinguished Scholars Program.

How did this fund get started and how did you get involved?
The idea to fund a program to bring outstanding freshman boarders to Baylor was put before the board by the administration. Administrators emphasized that we had to have a program like this in order to compete on a local, regional, and national level, and I was challenged to take it on. (Cartter rotated off the board on June 30 but is continuing to raise money for the program).

What effect does the Distinguished Scholars Program (DSP) have on the Baylor community?
The program provides an additional vehicle for those who want to make a long term contribution. It strengthens academics, endowment, and the residential life program. When you get 16 top students and mix them in the stew, you are going to change the overall flavor. We’ve had a great response from alums and their families, current parents, and foundations who want to support merit-based scholarship. I hope that the 35th reunion gift goes to support this important program.

How long has the program existed?
This is the fourth year for the DSP and will be the first school year where we have scholars in every grade. In the first year, out of the 15 or 16 candidates we had for the four open slots, five of the students who were not selected for full or partial scholarships still chose to board at Baylor. That has happened every year and, as a result, we’ve added 30-35 outstanding students to the student body.

How do students get into this program?
Potential scholars are recommended by family friends, schools, our website, and through talent identification programs. The program has gotten alumni, particularly in Atlanta and Birmingham, excited. When the program is fully funded (additional contributions are still being sought), we should be able to provide more scholarships. All Baylor students benefit from a healthy, engaged, and active boarding population.

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