So much to be thankful for

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we stop and count our blessings — and Baylor has a lot to be thankful for!

Another outstanding year of academics. This year, Baylor achieved its highest-ever U.S. News ranking. This is in no small part thanks to our outstanding faculty, many of whom have received prestigious awards in their fields this year, from nursing and education to science and business.

A flourishing athletics program. All of Wacotown anticipated the opening of McLane Stadium, counting down the months to kickoff. The new “jewel of the Brazos” gave birth to the tradition of sailgating and a 100-percent-on-campus Homecoming weekend, and is host to a top-10 football team. But even though we as Texans tend to focus on the football season, there are so many other Baylor athletics accomplishments from the past year to be thankful for: Big 12 titles, Sweet 16 and Elite Eight runs, a Women’s College World Series berth, and alumni standing out as athletes and coaches (at Baylor and beyond).

A dedication to Christian education and service. Through all of Baylor’s blessings and growth, the university has thankfully been able to cling to its Christian roots — something for which we are eternally grateful. In April, Jeremy Everett, director of Baylor’s Texas Hunger Initiative, was appointed to the National Commission on Hunger. Over the summer, Baylor partnered with the only Christian university in Zambia to help it take flight. And two alums’ ministry reminded us all that “Jesus Loves Strippers.”

What are you thankful for this season?

Sic ’em, Baylor family!