When in Rome
We have no words or “Non ho parole,” for one of the coolest discoveries Baylor has been a part of. Led by Davide Zori, Ph.D., Baylor’s principal investigator for San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project, a team of archaeologists found a rare, intact Etruscan chamber tomb outside of Rome. It is thought to be one of the most rare finds in decades. This artifact will help us better understand the pre-Roman civilization time period.
At a global collaboration standpoint, Baylor archaeologists, art historians, geologists and historians partnered with the Virgil Academy in Rome and the town of Barbarano Romano. If doing research in Italy isn’t cool enough – students on the “Archaeology in Research in Italy” study abroad course are able to gain hands-on experience through the careful fieldwork and analysis. Baylor became an active field school in 2016, which helps expand the academics of archaeology, art history, and more.
Baylor Baseball Takes on the MLB
Baylor baseball continued to make history when six-year senior right-handed pitcher Gabe Craig and senior infielder Tyriq Kemp were selected on Day Two of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Baylor has had picks in 33 of 35 drafts. Craig, named All-American by five publications this past season, was the 161st overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies. Kemp had a .305 batting average – leading the Bears with 72 hits, 14 doubles, on triple and a career-high seven home runs.
A Mark of Belief
It wasn’t too long ago that tattoos were frowned upon in Christian communities (and they still are in some). With younger generations defying the stigma around body art, Christians transform with this culture – with their own spin of course.
A study published in the Journal for Scientific Study of Religion, featuring Baylor sociology’s Kevin D. Dougherty, Ph.D., analyzed the ties between tattoos and religion using nationally representative data from the 2021 Baylor Religion Survey. The research shows about 10% of American adults have tattoos with religious or spiritual significance. The study goes on to highlight the evolution of faith practices and cultural aspects of religion.
In an article from Baylor, Dougherty stated, “Tattoos that once marked the fringes of respectable society are now being redeemed as testimonies of belief. They’re a reminder that faith – like culture – is always adapting, always finding new ways to speak.”
Baylor Alumni Spotlight
When disaster struck on July 4 in Kerrville, Baylor Law alumni Matt Maupin (JD ‘22) and his wife, Katie, didn’t hesitate to help. Their plans to celebrate in their hometown quickly changed into packing supplies to help aid. Everything they had grown up with was gone. This heartache didn’t stop the Maupin’s from removing debris from downed power lines and clearing blocked roadways.
Maupin said in an article from The Texas Lawbook,“I felt guilty for leaving,” he said. “I felt compelled to just drop everything and run back.”
