Tag Archives: Freshman Mass Meeting

7 Traditions All Baylor Freshmen Should Know About

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By Maggie Malone

With the recent announcing of awards for Baylor’s annual Sing participants, another great tradition has once again come to a close. In addition to Sing, there are so many great traditions to experience here.

Sing1. All University Sing Teams from Greek organizations compete in Broadway-style performances complete with their own themes, song choices, and costumes. Hours and hours of work are poured into each act. The one exception to mostly-Greek teams is called Sing Alliance, a group made up of any student who wants to participate in Sing. Tickets sell out fast so be sure you buy early!

Christmas2. Christmas on 5th Street Christmas at Baylor! This event happens right before finals week, and it is a good opportunity to chill with friends, sip some hot chocolate and enjoy the lights on campus. Also, there are talented choirs that perform, carriage rides, a live nativity, fantastic petting zoo and the annual tree lighting!

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3. Baylor Line One of the major experiences of being a freshman at Baylor! While wearing your personalized gold jersey, you and the rest of the freshmen run through the stadium before every home football game and line up to welcome the Baylor Bears onto the field. And by this I mean that there is a mad dash of hundreds of freshmen pouring onto the field. Right afterwards, the Line is able to enjoy fantastic seats … right behind the visitors’ bench! Sadly, because I perform with the marching band, I have never gotten to experience this tradition. But how do you join this esteemed Line of glory? You attend …

images-64. Line Camp Yes, we have Line Camp! And while it’s not mandatory for freshmen to attend, I highly, highly recommend it. You get to learn not only about the Line, but also about the rich history of Baylor University. You get to make your first friends at Baylor while having tons of fun. Hint: They have an amazing slip and slide.

Dr.Pepper

5. Dr Pepper Hour Every Tuesday in Barfield Drawing Room, Baylor serves up some delicious Dr Pepper floats! These floats are a nice cold treat, especially in the summertime when it gets really hot outside. Besides it being a great meet-up for friends, sometimes there are tables lined up featuring activities, clubs, study abroad information, and more! Bonus, you may even spot our president, Judge Ken Starr, and our mascot, Bruiser!

 

Mass Meeting

6. Freshman Mass Meeting This late night tradition during homecoming week is an important part of the Baylor experience. Freshmen gather together to listen to the story of the Immortal 10, some of Baylor’s finest students. I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s a great one. Afterwards, freshmen then go to help prepare what will become one of the greatest bonfires you will ever see. 

Dia

7. Diadeloso Ah, spring. Season of new life, warmer weather (hopefully), and Diadeloso! Meaning “day of the bear” in Spanish, and affectionately called “Dia” by Baylor students, this day off from school is a great chance to take a break from life and just have fun. It’s a university-wide holiday, which gives students the chance to hang out, go on a day trip, or just have a good time on campus. Baylor usually brings in cool shows to entertain as well. Last year we had an exotic petting zoo, a talented magician, and, at the end of the day, NEEDTOBREATHE. Grab your Dia tank and get out into that sunshine!

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I’ve only listed seven, but, as Baylor is an old university, we have plenty more traditions old and new to enjoy!

Baylor Homecoming: Freshman Mass Meeting

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By Torie Abbott

There are not many things as special as Baylor Homecoming! When I was a senior in high school, I had the opportunity to visit during this amazing weekend. This was when I first realized that Baylor was the school for me.

Homecoming 2012

Some of my best friends and I at the 2012 Baylor Homecoming game

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During my first year, Freshman Mass Meeting was a truly incomparable story. All semester, I had heard the upperclassmen discuss how meaningful their own Freshman Mass Meeting was to them. I knew it was an experience I could not miss.

That Thursday night, I remember walking over to Waco Hall with hundreds of other freshman girls in our bright line jerseys. As the class of 2016 made our way in the auditorium, we were all unaware of the events that were about to transpire. As Freshman Mass Meeting began, we learned the names and stories of the beloved Immortal Ten. With each name that was read, my heart began to fill with both sorrow and pride for my school.

Freshman Mass Meeting 2012

Freshman Mass Meeting 2012

Once the Immortal Ten had been presented and the torch had been lit, everyone got their own candle and walked to see the Immortal Ten statue that we had all seen but never appreciated. However, this time, I viewed it in an entirely new light. Then, we proceeded to Fountain Mall where we constructed the Homecoming Bonfire for the entire Baylor community to witness and enjoy.

Freshman Mass Meeting completely changed my perspective on Baylor. Now, I share a bond with all Baylor students, past and present. The Immortal Ten and Freshman Mass Meeting is one of the pillars that hold our university so high, and it fill joy in my heart knowing I have experienced it.

I do not know if it’s the parade, Pigskin, Freshman Mass Meeting or just the friendship felt on campus that makes Homecoming special. As a current Baylor student, there is something extraordinary about being on campus with Baylor Bears of the past and the future.

Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally

Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally

My First Homecoming (by Lexa Johnson)

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Here at Baylor University, Homecoming is a cherished tradition that includes many exciting proceedings. The first tradition took place on Thursday night – Freshman Mass Meeting. The freshman class gathered in Waco Hall as we were told the story of the Immortal Ten. Silence fell over the students and faculty as we honored those ten students and lit the torch that symbolized the eternal flame and spirit of Baylor. Following the meeting, freshman walked over to Fountain Mall to build the bonfire for Friday night. There was a DJ there playing music and the bonfire building ended with a huge dance party. Being able to take part in the Homecoming festivities as just a freshman was a great way to feel a true part of the Baylor family.

On Friday the traditions continued with the bonfire and pep rally at Fountain Mall. As part of the celebration a ferris wheel was set up for students and families to enjoy as well as a funnel cake stand to provide true carnival food. The team came on stage as the marching band played and got everyone excited to go out the next day and watch them take down Kansas. Fireworks were shot off from Pat Neff and added to the already rising excitement. To conclude the Friday night pep rally the bonfire was lit; the heat could be felt from 15-20 yards away.

Saturday brought the infamous homecoming parade. Fraternities and sororities on campus design big floats every year and show off their hard work in the parade. Thousands of people crowd 5th street on campus to be able to catch a glimpse of the floats and organizations that walk in the parade. I loved seeing all of the Baylor pride in the families that came back to campus with their kids to experience Homecoming together. After a brief lunch break following the parade I left with my friends to go to the game. The Bears won a great game against Kansas despite the weather delay following half time. The weather changed drastically and went from hot and sunny to raining and lightning during half time. My first Homecoming at Baylor was a memorable experience where my friends and I were able to take part in Baylor traditions and I look forward to attending many more Homecomings for years to come.