Baylor to Honor Renowned Medical Experts at Commencement

Prestigious honorary degrees awarded to leaders in medicine, business, and philanthropy

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:06am

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Baylor College of Medicine will award honorary degrees to five distinguished individuals at its upcoming commencement ceremony in May. The honorees include Dr. Thomas Coffman, a renowned nephrologist and professor; Gloria Hicks, a business leader and philanthropist; Wilhelmina "Beth" Robertson, chair of The Cullen Foundation; Fred Seigel, president and CEO of Beacon Capital Partners; and Nancy Goodman, founder of the nonprofit Kids v Cancer.

Why it matters

The honorary degree recipients have made significant contributions to healthcare, scientific research, and education through their leadership, advocacy, and philanthropic efforts. Their recognition highlights Baylor's commitment to honoring those who have advanced its mission and positively impacted the broader community.

The details

Dr. Thomas Coffman, a professor and senior advisor at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, will deliver the commencement address. Coffman, an expert in nephrology, previously served as the longest-serving dean at Duke-NUS. The other honorary degree recipients include Gloria Hicks, a partner at Hicks Automotive Group and a supporter of youth education in South Texas; Wilhelmina "Beth" Robertson, board chair of The Cullen Foundation, which has provided pivotal support to Baylor; Fred Seigel, president and CEO of Beacon Capital Partners and a trustee of Baylor; and Nancy Goodman, founder of the nonprofit Kids v Cancer, which has championed legislation to spur the development of new drugs for children with life-threatening illnesses.

  • The commencement ceremony will be held on May 21, 2026 at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land.

The players

Dr. Thomas Coffman

A professor and senior advisor at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, and an expert in the field of nephrology. He previously served as the longest-serving dean at Duke-NUS Medical School.

Gloria Hicks

A partner at Hicks Automotive Group and a CPA, who is committed to supporting the youth of South Texas, particularly the students at Gloria Hicks Elementary School, which was named in her honor.

Wilhelmina "Beth" Robertson

The president of Cockspur, Inc. and the chair of the board of The Cullen Foundation, which has provided longstanding support for education, research, and patient care at Baylor.

Fred Seigel

The president and chief executive officer of Beacon Capital Partners, a Boston-based real estate firm, and a trustee of Baylor College of Medicine.

Nancy Goodman

The founder and executive director of Kids v Cancer, a think tank/advocacy organization that develops and champions laws to provide incentives and requirements for biopharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs for children with life-threatening illnesses.

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What they’re saying

“This year's honorary degree recipients are distinguished leaders who support Baylor's mission to advance healthcare, scientific research and education for the benefit of our community and those around the world.”

— Dr. Paul Klotman, President, CEO and Executive Dean of Baylor College of Medicine

What’s next

The commencement ceremony for the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Health Professions Genetic Counseling Program will be held on May 21, 2026 at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land.

The takeaway

Baylor College of Medicine's decision to honor these exceptional individuals highlights the institution's commitment to recognizing leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing healthcare, scientific research, and education, both within the Baylor community and beyond.