Student life « Baylor Proud

Points of Pride — Student life

May

2013

Happy 10th anniversary, North Village! A look at what’s next for residence halls at Baylor

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Student life

North Village

Ten years ago this week, Baylor broke ground on what would become the North Village Residential Community, the first new residential community at Baylor in nearly 40 years.

Three years later, the university unveiled Brooks Village (which includes both Brooks Residential College and Brooks Flats). This fall, another new residential community, East Village, will open to students at the intersection of Bagby and 3rd Street (about a block from the Baylor Sciences Building and McLane Student Life Center).

With 700 new beds available this fall in East Village, Baylor will begin a decade-long process of renovating eight residence halls: Martin, Penland, Collins, North and South Russell, Alexander, Allen-Dawson, and Memorial. South Russell will be the first to be refurbished, closing for the 2013-14 school year to be updated with new furniture and fixtures as well as new study, social and spiritual spaces, including a classroom, fitness area, game room and lounge, and a faculty-in-residence apartment.

Even with South Russell out of commission, approximately 5,000 Baylor students will live on campus this fall — almost 40% of the undergraduate student body, and up from about 3,500 campus residents when shovels hit the dirt along University Parks 10 years ago.

The time spent living on a university campus is a unique stage of life; so glad that more Baylor students are getting to experience it (and for a larger percentage of their time in college).

Sic ’em, Baylor campus residents!

May

2013

Baylor sophomore among the final 12 on NBC’s ‘The Voice’

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Honors, Just for Fun, Student life, Videos

Holly Tucker

Baylor sophomore Holly Tucker wasn’t content just making an appearance on The Voice, NBC’s singing competition; she came to win.

So far, so good. Out of almost 75 performers who have appeared on the show this season, the 19-year-old native of Lorena (a Waco suburb) has made it into the final 12. All four judges wanted Tucker after her initial blind audition; she chose to join country superstar Blake Shelton’s team, and has since made it through three more rounds of judge’s decisions and fan voting.

[HOLLY PERFORMS: "To Make You Feel My Love," blind audition || "Blown Away," battle round || "Live Like You Were Dying," knockout round || "How Do I Live," top 16 live playoffs || iTunes link for all four songs]

From here on out, Tucker’s survival on The Voice will depend largely on viewer voting (via online polls at NBC.com, phone calls and text messages to specified numbers, and iTunes single sales). For at least the next two weeks, Holly and the other competitors will perform on Monday nights (NBC, 7 p.m. CT); voting will then take place overnight, with results announced live on the show Tuesday nights.

A Baylor legacy, Holly’s father, Johnny, mother, Cheryl, and brother, Travis, are all Baylor graduates, and Cheryl now works in the Engineering and Computer Science dean’s office. When Holly was first introduced on the show, her Baylor connections (including her role in the Golden Wave Band) were highlighted frequently, and even six weeks into the show, she is still frequently introduced as “Baylor University marching band performer Holly Tucker.”

You can follow along with her journey via Facebook, Twitter (@hollytmusic), YouTube and at HollyTucker.com. Then tune in and vote to help a fellow Baylor Bear keep on shining on this national spotlight!

Sic ’em, Holly!

May

2013

Baylor student appears on Jeopardy, gets Alex Trebek to do ‘sic ‘em’

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Just for Fun, Student life

Alex Trebek and Taylor Roth on Jeopardy

As a freshman at Baylor two years ago, Taylor Roth started having some health issues. Eventually, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and told she probably had less than a year to live. Thankfully, a later diagnosis found that she has decades, not months, to live.

[Read Roth's story in depth: Waco Tribune-Herald || Dallas Morning News || Baylor Lariat]

Now a junior psychology major, Roth’s health hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her goals. One is to use her psychology degree to help cancer patients deal with their diagnosis. Another? To appear on Jeopardy!

The Plano, Texas, native can now cross that one off the list; Roth appeared on the show yesterday during Jeopardy!‘s college championship (in a green-and-gold Baylor sweatshirt, of course). Though she didn’t win, she did get a consolation prize of sorts: the photo above with host Alex Trebek as the pair do a “sic ‘em!”

Sic ’em, Taylor!

May

2013

Road trip takes Baylor seniors back to Independence, where it all began

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Photo Galleries, Student life

Independence, Texas, symbolizes a lot of things to folks around Baylor. It was where the university began, back in 1845, and today is the place where many students begin their time as Bears, with a visit during Baylor Line Camp. So it’s fitting that many seniors choose to close their time at Baylor with a visit back to Independence.

Each year, as the spring semester closes, the Baylor Alumni Network organizes a senior trip to the university’s original home, where participants enjoy dinner on the grounds, photos at sunset by the historic columns from Baylor’s old campus, and a pre-graduation ceremony set amongst our university’s rich history.

[Click here to see more photos from the Senior Road Trip to Independence.]

In less than two weeks, this students will be Baylor’s newest alumni. Four years ago, many received their Baylor Line jerseys in Independence. Soon, they will be a permanent part of the Baylor Line that stretches back almost 170 years.

Sic ’em, Baylor seniors!

May

2013

New Pinterest board offers ideas for Baylor graduation day celebrations

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Alumni, Student life

It’s hard to believe that the calendar has already turned to May… Weren’t we just putting away Christmas decorations? But here we are; classes end Friday, finals start a week from today, and graduation is barely more than two weeks away.

Are you ready? By now, seniors should probably have their caps and gowns lined up and their announcements mailed. But there’s still time for other last-minute details: graduation party planning, picking out a frame for that diploma, etc.

For that, we’ve launched a new board on our Pinterest page titled simply, “Baylor Graduation.” There, you’ll find green-and-gold cake designs (and other graduation-themed treats), some fun photos from past commencements (this one is a favorite) and more to help seniors get ready for their big day. (It might also bring back memories for you graduates of years past, and remind underclassmen reading this of what you’re working for.)

Of course, you’ll also find plenty more Baylor pride on our other Pinterest boards. If you haven’t started following us yet, here’s a taste of what you’ve been missing:

This framed Line jersey (a birthday present that could also be a fun graduation gift);
Home decoration ideas like this green-and-gold guest room;
This photo of the Eiffel Tower showing its Baylor pride;
Tailgating recipes like these Dr Pepper cookies; and
Popular Baylor gameday gear like this, this and this.

Sic ’em, Baylor grads and Baylor pinners!

Apr

2013

President’s Scholarship Initiative meets $100 million goal — five months early!

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Alumni, Extraordinary Stories, Student life

President's Scholarship Initiative complete

Way to go, Baylor Nation: Your generosity has led to The President’s Scholarship Initiative topping its $100 million goal ahead of schedule!

At this semester’s final Dr Pepper Hour Tuesday afternoon, Baylor President Ken Starr shared the good news with a Barfield Drawing Room crowd full of students, faculty and staff, alums and friends of the university — just down the hall from where he announced the initiative’s launch less than three years ago.

[Click here to watch the announcement, and here for photos.]

The scholarship campaign was the President’s first major move after taking office, beginning just three months into his term at Baylor, and it backed up his early words that students are Baylor’s top priority. Tuesday, Judge Starr said the initiative has raised more than $101 million for student scholarships, thanks to gifts from more than 11,000 members of the Baylor family — almost half of which were giving to the university for the first time.

These funds — the largest scholarship push in Baylor history — will go a long way toward making our distinctive Baylor education accessible to those who are called to take their place in “That Good Old Baylor Line.” But today’s news doesn’t mark an end to the need for scholarship support from the entire Baylor family; it’s just the first step.

My wife and I were both blessed by scholarships when attending Baylor, and we’re proud to be able to give back even the tiny bit that we can afford as a young family. We’ve seen throughout the course of the initiative that every donor and every gift — large or small — makes a difference when we all come together. Please join us in supporting Baylor scholarships; click here for more information on how you can make a difference.

Sic ’em, Bears!

Apr

2013

Hearts of service: Three Baylor nursing students were among the first on the scene in West

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Alumni, Service, Student life

Czech Stop - West explosion

Last Wednesday, two Baylor nursing students and one recent graduate were driving back from Waco to Dallas following ROTC when they decided to grab dinner at a popular I-35 stop just north of Waco. (You probably see where this is going already.)

The trio — seniors Ali Nordlander, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Ashlyn McNeely, of Pampa, Texas, and alum Quianna Samuels, BSN ’12, of San Antonio — stopped at the Czech Stop in West just minutes before a nearby fertilizer plant exploded. They immediately ran more than a mile toward the mushroom cloud and were among the first responders to start pulling the elderly, many of them bedridden, from West Rest Haven, a nursing home that was devastated by the blast.

Dressed in their ROTC fatigues, the students’ presence commanded respect in the middle of what Ashlyn calls “complete chaos,” and those able to help listened as the trio gave directions to transport the injured to safety. These brave young women set up a triage area and treated countless injuries over the first four hours of the West tragedy as it all unfolded on national television, leaving only after those in the worst medical condition had been picked up and taken to hospitals.

In addition to the university’s response, Baylor students and alumni have shown initiative in finding their own ways to rally for West. A few examples:

A group of Christian artists (including Baylor alums Laura Cooksey, BM ’01, Jillian Edwards, BA ’11, Shaun Groves, BM ’97, and Robbie Seay) put together Songs for West, a compilation album that is free for download but for which listeners can leave tips; all money received will go to Baylor’s West relief fund. (As of this morning, the album had already generated more than $3,500 in tips.)
Friday, members of Alpha Phi Omega held a bake sale in the SUB to raise money for the people of West.
Jesus Said Love, a “ministry to the marginalized” led by Baylor alums Brett (BA ’98) and Emily (BA ’99) Mills, has adopted one family that lost everything in the explosion (including any keepsakes they had from a baby that died a year ago) and is working to provide shelter, clothing, food, furniture, etc. (in addition to pastoral care).

Do you know of other stories where the Baylor family has stepped in to serve following the West explosion? Please share them with us, and we’ll share some of our favorites in a later Baylor Proud blog post and/or pass them along to Baylor Magazine for consideration for their next issue. Click to here to submit your story.

Sic ’em, Bears, for serving so well!

(photo shared on Twitter by @AndyBartee)

Apr

2013

Baylor community rallies for West, Texas, as Diadeloso becomes DiaDelWest

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Service, Student life

Baylor students praying for West, Texas Few things could make me more proud than seeing how the Baylor community sprang into action following the explosion Wednesday night in nearby West, Texas (about 20 miles north of Waco).

Students organized a midnight prayer gathering in front of Waco Hall, drawing almost 100 people to pray for those affected. Overnight, the university rolled out a website (baylor.edu/relief) to gather information on how Bears could help; that was followed later Thursday with a Facebook group to help get updates out.

Thursday was also Diadeloso, an annual holiday for Baylor students. But the morning’s events were rearranged to make room for a prayer vigil in the Student Union Building between 10 and 11 a.m. Baylor Chamber took the bear mascot trailer out to Dia later in the day to collect water, blankets, etc. for the displaced from West, just one of many groups collecting aid around Waco.

(My wife called at 9:30 a.m. from the local Target, where she had stood in line behind two Baylor students who had a cart overflowing with similar supplies for West evacuees; the cashier said they were the second group of Baylor students to come through her line already this morning.)

Students, faculty and staff were urged to give blood at local collection centers (Carter Blood Care and Scott & White Blood Center), and lines at such locations stretched around the block. Baylor also began accepting donations (both online and in-person at Robinson Tower) for a fund to benefit the community of West. The Diadeloso headliner concert featuring Five for Fighting was moved to the Ferrell Center and opened to the public; cash donations to support the relief effort were accepted, and $1 from every concessions sale will go to relief efforts. [See photos from the concert and other Dia events here.]

Thursday evening, Judge Starr sent this email out to the entire Baylor family, noting that in less than 24 hours the fund mentioned above had already received nearly $15,000 in donations (not including donations collected at the concert).

So proud of how the Baylor family has responded; even Sports Illustrated has picked up on the Baylor spirit. I think this tweet sums things up:

Proud to be a Bear. On a day designed to celebrate all things Baylor, they are helping their neighbors in West. #DiaDelOso #DiaDelWest

— Laurie Cavin (@lauriecavin) April 18, 2013

Sic ’em, Bears!

Apr

2013

Baylor sophomore impresses on NBC’s ‘The Voice’

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Honors, Just for Fun, Student life, Videos

Holly Tucker on NBC's The Voice

The judges on NBC’s The Voice singing competition — Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine, country music star Blake Shelton, Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira and multi-platinum R&B artist Usher — spent the last three weeks choosing teams of performers to mentor and prepare for head-to-head competitions.

Among those who made the cut? Baylor sophomore Holly Tucker.

A native of Lorena, Texas (less than 15 miles south of Waco), Tucker was introduced on The Voice in this season’s third episode, including a lengthy series of shots showing her walking the Baylor campus and performing with the Golden Wave Band. [Click here to watch Holly's introduction and first performance, "To Make You Feel My Love" (starting just after the 40:00 mark).]

During Tucker’s blind audition, each of the four judges quickly turned their chairs — a rare occurrence on the show, demonstrating that all four wanted her on their team. After much deliberation, Tucker — who dreams of being a country star — chose to join Shelton’s team. Beginning tonight, she and the other artists will be paired head-to-head in elimination battles; if Tucker can make it through this round, then she’ll advance to knockout rounds and (hopefully) the live finals, where audience voting can play a part.

[MORE HOLLY: Uproar Records' video "Introducing Holly" || Tucker's artist page on The Voice website || Get Tucker's first Voice performance on iTunes]

Tucker’s experience on The Voice isn’t her first time performing, of course; she has been singing in front of audiences since the age of 12. She even spent her freshman year as an artist with Baylor’s Uproar Records, recording a CD on the label and even performing on behalf of Uproar in the 2011 Baylor Homecoming Parade.

Tune in to The Voice (Mondays and Tuesdays, 7 p.m. CT, on NBC) to see what’s next for Holly, and follow her journey via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and hollytucker.com.

Sic ’em, Holly!

Apr

2013

Undergrad’s research suggests ‘green’ laundry products could make children’s clothing less safe

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Academics, Research, Student life

Haley Moore at work This week was URSA (Undergraduate Research & Scholarly Achievement) Scholars Week at Baylor, an annual event designed to share the research being done by Baylor undergraduate students. Some 180 students and 70 professors participated in this year’s event, sharing details of their work through presentations and posters.

Here’s just one example: Haley Moore, a junior apparel merchandising major from Katy, Texas, found that all-natural cleaning products — an increasingly popular choice nationwide — may have unintended consequences.

Working with Dr. Rinn Cloud, the Mary Gibbs Jones Endowed Chair in Textile Science in the College of Arts & Sciences’ Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Moore found that flame-resistant fabric (like that commonly found in children’s sleepwear) loses more of its protective properties when repeatedly washed with organic detergent (compared with washes using conventional detergent).

Moore’s research was supported by a grant from the URSA Small Grants program and was one of dozens of academic efforts on display in the Baylor Sciences Building’s Carlile Atrium this week.

Sic ’em, Baylor researchers!

[For more on Baylor's research efforts at the undergraduate, graduate and faculty levels, follow the new Research Tracks blog at blogs.baylor.edu/researchtracks and on Twitter at @BaylorOVPR.]

Points of Pride — Student life

(photo shared on Twitter by @AndyBartee)

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