An Opened Door

Spring 2014 - Gage Mayborn, a sophomore saxophonist majoring in instrumental music education, was influenced by Baylor well before he enrolled. His high school band director, his private-lesson teacher and his aunt were all Baylor graduates, and all three encouraged him to consider their alma mater.

However, the Rockwall, Texas, native did not decide to follow their advice until attending a Baylor summer music camp where he learned from Dr. J. Eric Wilson, director of bands, and saxophone professor Dr. Michael Jacobson. From that point forward, Gage had two objectives. "I wanted to play saxophone like Dr. Jacobson, and I wanted to conduct like Dr. Wilson," Gage said. "So this was the perfect place for me."

A Need Met

Nonetheless, his path to Baylor was not cut and dried. In his own words, Gage needed financial assistance. Thanks to the Anna and Harry Jeanes Endowed Scholarship Fund in the School of Music, Gage's dream of attending Baylor became reality.

"Without that scholarship, I would not be here," Gage said. "It provided an opportunity for me to not only grow and nurture my love of music but also help me share my passion with other people here at Baylor."

Both Waco natives, Harry (BBA '34) and Anna (BA '34) Jeanes expressed their love for Baylor and its students through their service and financial resources. Harry served 18 years as a Baylor trustee, including two years as chairman, and was elected regent emeritus in 1990. A former chairman and chief executive officer of First Federal Savings and Loan of Waco, Harry was heavily active in local civic organizations during his 51-year career.

The Jeaneses blended their lifetime giving with their estate plans to create a Baylor legacy that will benefit students for generations to come. In addition to endowed scholarships in music, business, Student Foundation, football and men's and women's basketball, the Jeaneses endowed the Academic Honors Week and provided funding for the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, the centerpiece of the Mayborn Museum Complex.

Plans For The Future

The Jeaneses' generosity has made it possible for many students like Gage to follow their dreams at Baylor. A member of Baylor's wind and jazz ensembles as well as a saxophone quartet, Gage said Baylor has exceeded his expectations.

"And it's not just the music professors," Mayborn said. "It would be hard to find another university with such high-quality faculty, even their quality as people and not just their teaching style."

Gage hopes to complete a master's degree in conducting at Baylor and eventually earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree with the goal of teaching at the university level. His goal is to give to others, following the Jeaneses' lead.

"I really enjoy teaching, I really enjoy music, and I want to combine the two," he said. "My goal is to get everyone - music major or not - to experience music the way I do."