UC Berkeley Mourns Loss of Frank Baxter, Advocate for Students
BREAKING: UC Berkeley is mourning the passing of former U.S. Ambassador Frank E. Baxter, who died on July 15, 2025, at the age of 88. Baxter, a distinguished alumnus and philanthropist, dedicated his life to supporting students in need and championing the cause of free speech on campus.
Baxter’s profound impact on UC Berkeley is evident through his extensive support for scholarships and initiatives aimed at enhancing political diversity and educational opportunities. His legacy includes the establishment of the Baxter Liberty Initiative, which promotes respectful dialogue and ideological diversity, a cause he fervently believed in.
Chancellor Rich Lyons expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Frank Baxter was a man of impeccable principle who cared deeply about our university. Berkeley benefitted greatly from having Frank in our corner.” His commitment to the university was unwavering, from his first donation of just $20 in 1970 to becoming a celebrated benefactor whose name is etched on the granite monument outside Doe Library.
Baxter’s illustrious career included serving as the U.S. ambassador to Uruguay under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009, where he facilitated important trade agreements. Before his diplomatic service, he was the CEO of Jefferies & Company, where he was known for his humility and dedication to service.
His friends and colleagues remember him as a compassionate leader. “Frank walked the walk, leading a life defined by humility and service,” said Mary Ellen Kanoff, a close friend. His dedication to improving lives extended beyond his professional career, as he actively supported educational initiatives like the Fiat Lux Scholarship and the Incentive Awards Pre-collegiate Academy, which helped public school students overcome significant challenges.
In 2012, Baxter co-founded the Baxter Liberty Initiative with Carla Hesse, former dean of Social Sciences, to foster free speech and political discourse at UC Berkeley. His efforts helped attract notable speakers, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in today’s polarized political climate.
As the initiative grows, its mission is more relevant than ever. In 2024, it expanded its focus on academic freedom, providing grants for faculty to incorporate themes of open exchange into their curriculum. This May, the initiative hosted a conference on free inquiry, gathering faculty from across the UC system to discuss academic freedom’s challenges.
Baxter’s contributions to education and civic engagement earned him numerous accolades, including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s Civic Medal of Honor and the California Charter Schools Association’s Hart Vision Award. His passing is a significant loss for UC Berkeley and the broader community.
“The world lost an incisive and formidable mind this week,” stated Raka Ray, Dean of Berkeley Social Sciences. “He had a rare and genuine commitment to freedom of expression, and was deeply invested in improving the tone of political discourse in this country.”
As UC Berkeley reflects on the life and legacy of Frank Baxter, his contributions to the university and society will be remembered as a testament to the power of philanthropy and the importance of fostering diverse viewpoints.
