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During the course of their long marriage, Frank and Anne Baumann HON enjoyed a shared passion for Gaels Athletics. The couple attended more than 2,000 home and away basketball, football, and baseball games in support of the Gaels—over a period that spanned eight different decades.

If that fervor and decades of support weren’t enough, Saint Mary's College has received a generous planned gift from Frank and Anne’s estate, a meaningful legacy for a couple who were devoted friends of the College, honorary alumni, and avid Gaels Athletics fans. 

“Frank and Anne were exceptional Gaels fans, possibly the greatest fans of all time,” said President Richard Plumb. “They supported our teams when the stands were empty and when they were full. They supported our teams on the road and at home. We are deeply grateful for their generous gifts, which we know will benefit our student-athletes for generations to come.”

Soon after celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary in 2021, Frank and Anne died within months of each other.

The couple established a legacy at Saint Mary’s through a combination of charitable gift annuities with the College, real estate, and life insurance. Their estate gift of over $2 million will be split between a men’s basketball scholarship endowment and a baseball scholarship endowment in their names.

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“The Baumanns were true Gaels who supported our student-athletes and coaches for decades,” added Tom Carroll, Assistant Vice President Advancement Athletics & Deputy Athletic Director, who noted that Frank took many road trips with the basketball and football programs. “Frank always had stories and statistics about the teams, players, and previous games, and an encyclopedic memory of Saint Mary's history, dating back to his days watching the Gaels at Kezar Stadium,” said Tom. 

Tom recalled seeing alumni approach Frank on the road and asking, “‘Do you remember me?’ A fixture in the Gaels athletics community, Frank remembered people every time and gave each person a firm handshake with a welcoming smile," said Tom. “Anne was always by his side in the VIP section and at events. She truly loved the Gaels, too.” 

The Baumanns attended more than 2,000 games over eight decades, supporting basketball, football, and baseball teams at home and away.

Although neither Anne nor Frank attended Saint Mary’s, the Baumanns set a new standard for Gaels fans. Their loyalty spanned the evolution of Gaels athletics that included the emergence of women’s athletics, the retirement of the football program, and the highs and lows of Gaels basketball.

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Their nephew Paul Isaacson recalled the central role that Gaels athletics played in the couples’ lives—including several beloved dogs named “Gael”—and described some of Frank’s Gaels athletics memorabilia. “His collection included a 1959 letter from Brother Xavier, yearbooks, game programs, binders with newspaper articles, and letters from the basketball and baseball coaches,” said Paul. “Frank kept a notebook that detailed the games and the scores. One thing led to another, and Gaels athletics gradually became a focal point of Anne and Frank’s lives.”

“Frank and Anne were some of the most loyal fans I have been around in my entire career,” said Mike Matoso, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “They loved everything about Saint Mary's and fully embraced the spirit of being a Gael. Their bequest is such a wonderful gift to the college and will benefit student-athletes and Gael athletics for many years to come.”

Frank became connected to the College when he returned home to the Bay Area after serving in the Army in the late 1940s. He learned about the Gaels in a cartoon series in the San Francisco Call-Bulletin depicting accomplishments of local college teams. “After reading about them in the paper, Frank wanted to find out more about the Gaels,” said Paul. “He drove up to Moraga and after that visit to campus he decided to follow Gaels athletics. Frank and Anne were devoted Catholics, and drawn to the philosophy of the Christian Brothers.” 

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Brother Chris Brady, FSC, who previously served as Athletics Chaplain, knew the couple well and admired their devotion to Saint Mary’s athletics. “Frank and Anne supported the student-athletes by their presence in the stands and their continual words of encouragement,” said Brother Chris.

“Some would say they led simple lives, Frank as a professional printer and Anne as a classroom teacher. Yet their example of simplicity and support for others was a lens to their heart and I am ever grateful for their partnership with the Brothers in choosing to share part of their treasure with the Gaels. What a blessing they have been!”

In a previous profile article about their devotion to Gaels Athletics, Frank offered the following heartfelt statement: “This is family for us,” he said. “I'd love to watch the Gaels for another 40 or so years.” The Baumanns’ generous legacy gift will ensure that student-athletes will benefit from Anne and Frank’s shared passion for decades to come.

Gael Gratitude messages recognize gifts of $1 million or more to Saint Mary's College of California. We are deeply grateful for our generous community of donors. Each thoughtful gift creates opportunities for our students and enhances the unique Saint Mary's experience. Visit our Giving pages to learn more about philanthropy at Saint Mary's.