‘Personal attention and genuine care’ highlight Baylor Orientation

I have some fond memories of my freshman orientation at Baylor, so it was good to read this letter from an alum (who happens to be the parent of an incoming freshman) who writes about what an incredible experience she and her son enjoyed at Orientation last month.

Dear Baylor Family,

We have just arrived home from our son’s June 12-13 orientation at Baylor and I had to write. I am struggling to find the words that adequately express my gratitude to the Lord for this wonderful school. I wondered if the same atmosphere of peace, joy, excellence, service, personal care and warmth would be there that I found as a student in the seventies.  It is — and even more so.

As parents of an entering freshman, my husband and I are amazed at the level of personal attention and genuine care expressed to us by all of you, including all the nameless young people posted everywhere on campus giving a helping hand.

At almost every informational session, the people leading would look out at an audience of scores, and sometimes hundreds of people and give not only their office phone #, but their cell phone #, insisting that we call if there were any question or concern, at any time! You have convinced us that you are genuinely “glad we are here” as we heard over and over again.

Thank you for your cheerful patience as we re-asked the same questions, made changes in majors, asked for “miracles” in schedule changes (thank you Sally Firmin!). We felt as if we were VIPs getting some sort of special treatment and attention. But, we know you were doing this for everyone. It is remarkable — the spirit and attitude of Baylor.

Thank you for openly honoring God and His principles. It is no coincidence that the atmosphere at Baylor is so unique and infused with peace: God’s blessing and favor are there because you honor Him.

We loved the elegant dinner for parents on Thursday night! The setting was beautiful, food wonderful, iced tea so refreshing. The serving folks were so kind and friendly. Please, thank them for us. They treated us like royalty. Getting to know other parents was wonderful! Judy’s words were so helpful and reassuring; and the parent panel gave us invaluable information. The Baylor Family is really that, a family.

I have sent this to those whose emails I did jot down, but I include the many whose emails I don’t have: Dr. Kim Kellison, Martha Lou Scott, the Success Center folks, the campus safety people, the “grandmother” working in the bookstore who met our son, learned his name, and reassured me she would keep a look-out for him and encourage him to study and get enough sleep; Charlotte Moody in financial services who patiently and cheerfully answered all our questions — two or three times; smiling faces in the Memorial and Penland dining services, and everyone else in yellow orientation polos!

We know all of you have you own lives and personal concerns. We are praying for you that as you so unselfishly serve and love us and our children, God will give you an extra boost of His blessing and favor in your own lives. Thank you for your ministry to us.

With much love and gratitude,
J.V. (class of ’73)

Sic ’em, Orientation welcomers!