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Rooted in Green and Gold

In 1903, a ritual known as “tree-planting” was born. Each year, students would gather on the Quadrangle and scoop dirt around the roots of a new tree. The annual ceremony was discontinued after 1919, but as the campus expanded over the century, the old traditions so well-established in the roots of the university meant that tree-planting became a part of the construction of every new building.

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The Making of Beth Allison Barr

Dr. Beth Allison Barr is the James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor and author of “The Making of Biblical Womanhood.” In this episode, she discusses what got her interested in writing a book on the topic of Biblical Womanhood, the changes she’s seen since the book’s publication in 2021, why she thinks the topic is so culturally relevant and captivating, and how we’ve misunderstood the history of patriarchy within Christianity with Christianity itself.

Meet the Baylor Alumni Involved in the Paxton Impeachment Trial

An historic impeachment trial against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (’85, MBA’86) commenced this week with several Baylor alumni, including the attorney general himself, playing key roles in the outcome. Though many Baylor alumni across the years have had storied (and sometimes fraught) political careers, Paxton is the first Baylor graduate to be impeached from public office. In addition to Paxton, there are four other Baylor alumni involved in the trial as elected state officials.

Waco’s Fall Festival Roundup

Waco is now more than just a “college town,” and these events in and around the city are sure to offer visitors unique experiences with explosive local flavor.

14 Best Coffee Shops in Waco

Coffee is for everyone – that’s what we learned by exploring Waco’s coffee scene during our trip. From a robust brew that embodies the Texan spirit to a light, sweet coffee beverage that reminds us of Southern hospitality, the local offerings are as varied as they are delightful.

Alumni, Faculty, and Students Respond to Recent Title IX Exemption

A recent open letter to Baylor leaders signed by a growing number of Baylor alumni and supporters seeks “to achieve a more inclusive campus environment” in response to what it claims are “harmful inequities” and inaccurate “representation of Baylor’s Baptist heritage and tradition” made by the university to authorities. The alumni advocacy group asks that necessary steps be taken “to ensure that LGTBQIA+ students on campus are protected from sexual harassment in all forms.”

Chalk of the Town

A Baylor alumna’s creative outlet of crafting neighborhood art is also a form of advocacy. Rebecca LaFlure, of the popular Instagram profile @ChalkOfTheTown312, is drawing more than murals. Chalk, it turns out, can be a powerful tool.

21 Things to Do in Waco with Kids

Planning a family trip to Waco, TX? Check out the best 21 things to do in Waco with kids by reading this post. Whether you’re having fun in Indian Spring Park, exploring Cameron Park Zoo, or catching a concert at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre, there’s plenty of activities to fill your next family trip to Waco.

Baylor’s religious exemption reaffirmed in response to sexual harassment complaints

The U.S Department of Education exempted Baylor University from sexual harassment claims regulated under Title IX last month after the Christian university asked the agency to dismiss discrimination complaints made by students, arguing that the claims were inconsistent with the university’s religious tenets, after LGBTQ+ students filed several Title IX discrimination complaints.

Waco’s Historic Houses of Worship

The Mayborn Museum special exhibit, curated by Dr. Kenneth Hafertepe, is spotlighting where residents find solace in the divine throughout Waco and provides visitors with an excellent survey of the city’s religious evolution across faith traditions.

Remembering Dr. John Belew

Dr. John Belew, former provost of Baylor University, has passed away at the age of 102 after a life of service his country, community, and alma mater.

16 Best Spots for Brunch in Waco, Texas

Discover the ultimate brunch experience with our curated list of 16 spots for brunch in Waco. Adventure and flavor await at these 16 best spots for brunch in Waco, Texas. Check out tested favorites, like Cafe Cappucino and Magnolia Table, or try something new or off the beaten path, like Harold Waite Pancake & Steak and Homestead Heritage.

Hurd Welcome Center: A Sneak Peek

An alumna found a side door propped open and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore the almost-complete and wildly anticipated Hurd Welcome Center on Baylor’s campus.

The Great Waco Water Watch

The City of Waco’s contingency plans for keeping water flowing for residents is top of mind as Texas sizzles in the summer sun. Lake Waco’s water levels in July 2023 are actually lower than the previous year — one of the worst on record. At the same time, twice as much precipitation has helped keep the ground saturated, allowing for reserves to build and the region’s flora to remain better hydrated. What are Wacoans to do?

A (Suspension) Bridge Over (Brazos) Water

The Brazos River’s temperamental mood swings made the cattle driving business unreliable, difficult, and frequently dangerous. In 1866, shortly following the Civil War’s conclusion, the Texas State Legislature chartered the Waco Bridge Company, granting the enterprise a $25,000 budget, not to mention essentially a local monopoly, to construct a new bridge spanning the wild Brazos. It cost the city one dollar. Well, technically.

If You Grill It, They Will Come

Hungry Wacoans and Baylor students continue to build Jake Patterson’s Yaki dreams. Teriyaki as it is known today first originated during the 1700s in Japan, and refers to food that is grilled or broiled in a glaze traditionally composed of soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. It wasn’t until 1976, however, that the first dedicated teriyaki restaurant in the United States opened — Toshi’s Teriyaki in Seattle, Washington. And now, there’s a growing Yaki empire in Waco.

Blessings Beyond Baseball

The Miami Marlins’ Daniel Castano reflects as he recovers from a concussion. Thankfully, the former Baylor left-hander has virtually no recall of the horrifying image that flashed around the world in an instant: a baseball struck at 104-mph slamming off the bill of his cap and into his forehead.

Cultivating Community By The Cupful

Andrew Crawford, a Baylor grad and the owner of Rhino Coffee, is building a coffee empire to bring people together in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Moving Energy Home

What’s the Future of Power in Texas? Two Baylor Professors Discuss Options for campus and Waco, Texas.

Making Strides and Scoring Goals: Kylie Finney

Kylie Finney is a marketing major at the Hankamner School of Business and a Baylor Legacy scholarship recipient. She grew up in Northern Virginia, right outside DC, attending Chantilly High School where she played varsity soccer for four years and participated in class leadership for two years. On top of varsity soccer and leadership, Kylie also played travel soccer.

Remembering: Dr. John Cheng

A year ago the unthinkable happened: losing a brother, friend and husband and father at the place of comfort: a church. Dr. John Cheng (BA ‘91) died a hero when he tackled a gunman who entered Laguna Woods, California’s Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in May 2022.

70 Years Later: The Terror of the Waco Tornado

On March 2, 2023, Waco and Baylor students took shelter under a tornado warning for approximately 12 minutes. No damage occurred and the night continued as planned. Seventy years ago, on May 11, 1953, a tornado ripped through Waco with no warning, killing 114 people and damaging 196 buildings.

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