There’s Plenty to Do

By Aaron Harder

One of the many reasons I love attending Baylor is all the opportunities the university offers students. Certainly Baylor sets up its students well in post-graduate life with connections, a great education, and life-long friendships, but there also great opportunities to participate in as an undergrad.

Yes, Baylor is full of student organizations spanning almost every possible subject. However, Baylor also offers a lot of activities for students to do regardless of what club, organization, or Greek life group you join.

Baylor has a great theater program that produces at least two plays or musicals per semester. There is also an improv comedy group that usually performs three times a semester. In the fall there is Pigskin, which is the performance of the top eight acts from All-University Sing, during Homecoming Week. After Dark during Parents Weekend is a showcase of the artistic and musical talent Baylor has to offer and is a really cool show. In the spring there is All-University Sing, as well as Diadeloso, which is a campus-wide holiday in the middle of a week in April where students get the day off of classes and Baylor brings a ton of festivities to campus as well as a live band (last year it was Needtobreath).

While the Baylor football team and games are really exciting and (finally) competitive on a national scale, our athletic department is not just a football team. Baylor has nationally ranked women’s and men’s basketball teams, nationally competitive tennis teams, competitive baseball and softball teams, and a historically famous track and field team that currently boasts a few reigning national champions. Baylor also has a national championship winning equestrian team and usually top five nationally ranked acrobatics and tumbling team. Now one does not have to go to all of these, and obviously not every is interested in ALL of these sports, but the fact remains that there’s an abundance of great teams to watch and cheer for.

So bottom line, Baylor is great place to take advantage of watching some great sports, talented theatrics and live performances. Best part? Most of these events are free to students.

Homecoming From a Parent’s Perspective

By Frances George, a Baylor parent

Friday arrival: Our arrival kicked off with dinner with our daughter and her best girlfriends, TWO Pigskin performances, a late night Pep Rally (10,000 plus in attendance!), the band, the cheerleaders, an enormous bonfire and pictures galore with family and friends!

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Saturday: The day started with the early morning Homecoming parade, the largest collegiate parade in the nation, that rivals the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade (The floats are pulled with 18-wheeler tow trucks. They are THAT big). Then, we enjoyed coffee and spiced tea, tailgating on the Brazos in the early afternoon and a wonderfully packed walk across the bridge that led us straight to the beautiful new stadium where everyone was wearing green or gold! Following the crushing defeat of the Kansas Jayhawks, we attended the final performance of Pigskin Review!

Sunday: After a mid-morning brunch (it was a very late night, and we decided God would forgive our lapse in attending church – which is always a highlight of our visits), I gave a few words of motherly advice, hugs and kisses to my beloved daughter. Then, we returned to the airport to fly home.

During this hectic weekend, some thoughts cross my mind: When do they sleep? When do they eat? And study? And wash clothes? Then I remembered, it’s college. They are young. They eat on the run, they study late into the night and they wear whatever is clean and available (and when all else fails, they shop!). This is life lived to the fullest.

So, how is it different at Baylor? Most colleges have Homecoming. They all have fun tailgates and special traditions. But Baylor is different. On Friday at the Pep Rally, I noticed several things that made me think to myself, “This is no ordinary major university campus.” As I observed the students, faculty and parents all mingling together, I saw the Baylor difference right before my eyes. There was not a hint of alcohol on the breath of the tightly packed students. The conversations were pleasant and profanity free. Even when the announcement was made for the winning float, genuine cheers from the winning groups rang out but without the typical boos or hisses from the losing groups. Congratulations all around! As I stood watching the crowd, I noticed strollers from faculty and alumni with their young children. Students were polite as they could be to the guests on campus, mingling like one family. Younger siblings and parents were welcomed and treated with respect and honor amid all of the enthusiasm from the students. However, most outstanding to this parent was the opening of the Pep Rally. The university chaplain stood to officially open Homecoming Weekend, and a hush came over the crowd of 10,000 as he opened in prayer. He didn’t ask everyone to be quiet. Everyone just knew.

Baylor is a highly competitive university with a very diverse student body. It is made up of students from around the country and the globe who do not all share the same religion or background. But they are alike in the things that matter for a culture to thrive. They understand the importance of doing all things to the best of their abilities whether in the classroom or working on a top secret design for a Homecoming float or practicing endless hours for Pigskin Review. They have sense of esprit de corps (a feeling of fellowship and common loyalty shared by the members of a group) even when they don’t “win” a competition. There is a sense of pride (the good kind!) in how they treat their campus. The campus was as tidy Sunday morning when we left as when we arrived Friday night. All of these observations are not the result of students living under a long list of do’s and don’ts that are forced upon them by overseers constantly monitoring their every move. Actually, there are very few “rules.” These students seem to have an innate sense of right and wrong.  And when they do make a mistake, they seem to quickly acknowledge, take responsibility, understand what needs to change and make the adjustments. They use the word “grateful” frequently in conversations. They open doors for others and speak with grace. As a result, doors will open for them in life.

Baylor Homecoming. It is just part of this amazing place where you will make a memories in just four short years that will last a lifetime. And for parents, it is an amazing place to confidently send a young adult who right before your eyes will blossom into an adult with whom you will be happy to pass the baton. Baylor Homecoming…we can hardly wait for next year! Sic ‘Em!

First of Many Lasts

By Laura Teague

Today kicks off one of my favorite times of year on campus – Homecoming! As I’m sitting in Barfield Drawing Room writing this post, it just kind of hit me that this is my last Homecoming as an undergraduate. Preparing for Homecoming can be extremely tiring, and it’s so easy to just want the weekend to be over. Thoughts of free time fill your mind, like “After Homecoming, I’ll do this” or “Once Pigskin is over, I’ll have all this free time to do that.” However, I’m trying to ignore these thoughts, so I can experience this weekend to the fullest.

I have so many awesome memories from Homecoming, and I can’t wait to make more this weekend. But in the midst of it all, I’m trying to pause – to take a deep breath and remember how truly blessed I am to be a student at Baylor University, to look around at my friends and roommates and let them know how much they mean to me, to take in this last float all-nighter tonight and to perform our 2nd place Sing act with everything I have. Because once this weekend is over, I know I will want it back.

So whatever you are doing this weekend, whether it’s a football game your senior year, hanging out with your friends at someone’s house or just spending time with your family, approach it the same way. For you seniors in high school, things will look so different for you this time next year, and while it’s so exciting to see what the future holds, take time to appreciate where you are right now. I can’t wait for all of you to experience Baylor Homecoming as students. There is truly nothing like it in the whole world.

So I’ll leave you with this – one of my favorite quotes I’ve heard during my time at Baylor. As we all enter seasons of change, let’s remember to look forward to what’s ahead:

“Because of what Baylor has meant to you in the past, because of what she will mean to you in the future, oh, my students, have a care for her. Build upon the foundations here the great school of which I have dreamed, so that she may touch and mold the lives of future generations and help to fit them for life here and hereafter. To you seniors of the past, of the present, of the future I entrust the care of Baylor University.” – Samuel Palmer Brooks, Baylor President 1902-1931

Happy Homecoming!

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Being Where I’m Meant to Be

By Avery Jackson

One of the many reasons Baylor stood out to me above all other universities was the high level of school spirit, especially during Homecoming. At Baylor, Homecoming is an even bigger event than Christmas! Alumni of Baylor and families of students from all over come to see Pigskin, marvel at the parade floats, watch the big home game and spend quality time with the Baylor family for a weekend.

I remember the first time I visited Baylor and the moment when I realized that I wanted to go here one day. I was nine years old, and my dad and I were watching the big parade by the Bear Habitat. I was clutching my fancy Baylor leather notebook that law students and business professionals (like my dad) use, when I told him this was where I was going to go to school.

Now, it took traveling around the world, transferring from another university and earning an academic scholarship to get me here, but I can honestly say there is no other school for me.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

By Marisela Martin

Hey Everyone!

So this is my first time ever writing a blog post, and honestly, it’s quite exciting. I’m the type of girl who keeps her own diary, but sharing my thoughts with you all is even more invigorating, especially when I get to share the highs and lows about one of my favorite places in the world – Baylor!

So let me share a little about myself! I’m currently a sophomore from Dallas. I’m majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Public Relations. Because y’all are still getting to know me, I thought would start with sharing my top three favorite things that Baylor offers!

Football

1. FOOTBALL!!!!

Like come on! Anyone who saw our game against TCU knows that Baylor has a lot to be proud of with football! Not many teams can come up 24 points in the last 10 minutes! Texans are naturally born with a love for football no matter who you are, and this love is apparent in Baylor Nation.

 

 

 

Homecoming

2. Homecoming

I don’t know if you can feel any closer to the Baylor Community than when you participate in Homecoming! Baylor is home to the largest collegiate homecoming parade in the nation. There is nothing like being a part of this amazing parade. Words just can’t explain it.

 

 

 

 

Christmas on 5th 2013

3. Christmas on 5th

Now, my favorite time of the year is Christmas! When I’m at home, I usually decorate our house and set up the Christmas tree. It’s an annual tradition. However, last year I missed this tradition for the first time because I was at Baylor for my freshman year. It really brought me down and made me miss home. So when I heard about Christmas on 5th, I knew I had to go. It was literally the most magical moment and made my list of favorite memories here at Baylor.

So that’s it for this week guys! I can’t wait to show you more about my experience here! Until next time, Sic’ Em!

The Floats of Homecoming

By Jared Fuller

Every Saturday morning of Homecoming, students, alumni and families line the sidewalks of downtown Waco and Fifth Street to watch the Homecoming parade. The parade is filled with diverse participants and attractions, including little league football players, Homecoming Queen nominees and floats from the various Greek organizations on campus. In my opinion, the floats are the highlight of the parade. The fraternity and sorority floats are usually the largest, most colorful structures coming down the street on Saturday morning.

Floats are not just built for the viewing pleasure of those enjoying the Homecoming parade, but they are also judged and ranked amongst all of the other Greek organizations. There are three different levels in which groups can compete: Class A, B and C. The different classes are organized by the different budget sizes that groups pour into their floats. At the bonfire on Friday night, the winning float from each of the different classes is announced. Along with each class winner, there is an overall “Judge’s Choice” winner, which is the all-around grand prize.

Most people watching the parade don’t realize the amount of work and money that goes into building each float. Most floats are built by a fraternity and a sorority who partner up. This allows for more hands and a larger budget to be used for the construction process. Each float begins with a different theme, which is pitched at the end of the spring semester. This year, the themes ranged from a picnic to a magic show. Shortly after the beginning of the fall semester, float season begins, and every night, members of each organization go out to an off-campus float site to begin building their float.

The last week before Homecoming is extremely stressful as each group tries to put all of the finishing touches on their float. On the last Thursday night, float chairs sacrifice hours of sleep to stay up all night in order to finish before the judges come Friday morning. Just like a lot of the other activities during Homecoming season, floats require a lot of work behind the scenes. But, all of this hard work is what makes Baylor Homecoming so great.

Dance the Night Away

By Mary Margaret Hambuchen

The buzz of excitement, adrenaline and testosterone is very obviously surging through the 100 young men standing in a crowded clump right in front of me. Frantically, they decide to do one last rub down with charcoal as I do my best to quiet down their anxious chitter chatter. They reek of sweat and dirt, but they display crude manliness and pure God-given joy. With nothing less than a six-foot metal door separating them from the hundreds of students, parents, girlfriends, professors, alumni and family members, it is imperative that they calm down and keep themselves quiet. But, let’s be honest. My meaning of quiet and the meaning of quiet to 100 fraternity boys dressed as old western men covered in dirt is vastly different.

The tradition of All-University Sing is a huge part of Baylor’s culture. Students spend an entire year planning a seven-minute Broadway style act featuring elaborate costumes, arranged music, award-winning choreography and professional style props, all allowed to cost up to FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS. Wow-zers! For your viewing pleasure, I am including some links to some super awesome montages that Baylor has put together to give you a better idea of the tradition. Check it out:

Sing 2013 Montage

Sing Chair Interviews 2013

From All-University Sing comes a tradition called Pigskin, where the top eight Sing acts advance to a showcase during the following fall’s Homecoming Weekend. A student organization known as Student Productions Committee, (or StuPro for short) which I just so happen to be a member of, has the privilege of producing and running both Sing and Pigskin. This past year, I also was able to serve Pi Beta Phi as a vocalist in our Pigskin act “Tacky Tourists.” With three performances, a football game, two tests and a paper, my Homecoming Weekend contained very little sleep. But who needs sleep anyway, right?

Here are a few snapshots of my experiences in Sing and Pigskin!

Senior Year Shenanigans

By Sophia Cooper

I’ve had some great Homecoming experiences at Baylor!  My freshmen year was memorable because a thunderstorm struck Waco during the K-State football game, and we all got drenched!.

Freshman Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophomore year, I was able to share the experience with my family from California.

Sophomore Year with my sister Katrin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then last year, my best friend Eleanor came down from University of Michigan.

Junior Year with My Friend Eleanor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of those great times pale in comparison to this past weekend of my senior year.

I was blessed to be chosen by the Society of Women Engineers as a Homecoming queen candidate. Taking a break from my normal “nerd-dom,” I curled my hair and wore a formal evening gown at the presentation of the nominees at Pigskin Revue and again during the Homecoming parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Representing my organization was such an honor, and it was great to show the world that female engineers do exist!  One of my favorite mechanical engineering professors drove me in the parade in his convertible; I owe him big time for waking up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday!  As great of an experience it was to be a nominee, my favorite part of the weekend was being able to share it with my parents.  They flew out from California just to see their youngest daughter play dress up!

To top it all off, we destroyed Iowa State 71-7 in the final Homecoming in Floyd Casey Stadium.  I got to sit with my parents as we watched the scoreboard blow up, cheering loudly and doing Sic ‘Ems non-stop.  The weather stayed warm (despite the threat of thunderstorms and 40 degree nights), and it was the best senior Homecoming I could have asked for!  I can’t wait to come back next year as an alumna, although I will miss the free ticket to the football game!

Senior Year Homecoming Game

Baylor Homecoming: A Weekend of Celebration

By Abby Loop

Baylor homecoming is one my favorite times of the year as a student. Everyone is revved up with school spirit, and homecoming traditions bring us all together to celebrate.

Bonfire

This is the bonfire from last year!

During my years here at Baylor, I have always gone to the Homecoming Extravaganza and bonfire on campus. My friends and I love riding the Ferris wheel, eating corn dogs and funnel cakes from the food vendors, watching a great firework show and the lighting of the huge bonfire. The fire seems to reach insanely tall heights and high temperatures; it’s so fun to watch!

Another great thing about homecoming is the football game! Never will you hear a Baylor game have as much school spirit than that of a Baylor Homecoming game. It’s fun to go with your friends, cheer on our team and watch the special half-time performance put on by our awesome band.

Parade

Of all the Homecoming traditions, I still have not had the opportunity to take part in the Baylor Homecoming Parade. Early morning before the football game, the Baylor and the Waco communities gather together to celebrate all the different organizations involved with Baylor in the world’s largest collegiate parade. The streets are filled with floats and people cheering. I plan to go this year, and I can’t wait.

Homecoming is that special time of year at Baylor when the campus looks impeccable, lucky students get classes cancelled and the air fills with Baylor camaraderie. The whole weekend is like a party, and I can’t wait to celebrate!

Homecoming and All That Jazz

By Emily Woodby

You may not know, but this weekend is the famous Baylor Homecoming! There will be even more green and gold than normal, alumni all over campus and Sic ‘Ems galore – who’s ready?

Homecoming is one of the coolest traditions that is really unique to this university. I love seeing all of the older couples holding hands and sporting their BU ball caps while little girls in Baylor cheerleading uniforms race to see the bears. My absolute favorite part is Pigskin. Watching the groups sing and dance their hearts out is so much fun! Thursday night was the opening, and I went with a couple of my friends to cheer on my brother and his fraternity. The show was incredible! Tyler sang beautifully, and I was a proud little sis. I have no shame in the fact that I’ll be going again tonight with my family to watch it all over again!

Last weekend was fall break, and I was lucky enough to fly up to Kansas to visit one of my best friends from high school! Not only did I get to see her, but it was also the weekend of the Baylor and Kansas State game! I have to say that I have never felt so awkward during a football game in my life. Wow. I was fully immersed in the sea of purple that was the K-State student section. Thankfully, I wore neutral colors and did my best to not cheer too loudly. I am a huge football fan, so it was definitely a challenge.

Even though it was killing me, I stayed pretty quite most of the game. However, when we intercepted their pass in the fourth quarter, I forgot my surroundings and started jumping up and down yelling “YES YES YES!!” right as the whole stadium became silent. There was not a noise to be heard except my enthusiastic cheers. Don’t worry though, I made it out of the game alive and am here to tell the tale. You know you are a true Baylor Bear fan when you risk your life to cheer on your team. Sic ‘Em!