Just what is “Baylor Lights” all about?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:14-16

It all began earlier this month with President Linda Livingstone flipping a switch and lighting Pat Neff Hall green. Something was stirring on campus, and Bears were taking notice. Practically the entire campus became illuminated, from the statues of Judge Baylor and Rufus Burleson to Waco Hall, McLane Stadium, even the classic campus swings. And if you wander around campus, you’ll find the photo ops students have been using to show how “Baylor lights shine bright.”

It’s all based on “Baylor Lights”: the idea that each and every Baylor Bear has been given the opportunity to be a light among darkness. Since President Livingstone’s announcement of Baylor Lights, excitement around the concept has been contagious.

Moody Memorial Library, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, had the original 92 lights on its façade restored. Baylor Basketball turned the crowd into a light show at their game against Oklahoma State, complete with a halftime performance set to “Lights Shine Bright” by TobyMac. The Lady Bears took it a step further at their game against UT the following week, giving out thousands of glowing batons and T-shirts as fans striped the Ferrell Center. And the University asked the entire Baylor campus to join in by becoming part of a Baylor Lights mosaic and by attending what might have been the most epic Dr Pepper Hour in history.

[SEE how Bears are showing their #BaylorLights]

As cool and exciting as all this has been, Baylor Lights is about more than flashy lights and a hashtag. Our university is one where faith and learning, scholarship and teaching, knowledge and service combine to serve students and the community in the best way possible. To echo what President Livingstone said in her announcement, Baylor is a place where brilliance is celebrated and faith is strengthened — a place where lights shine bright.

Sic ’em, Baylor Lights!