Six things we’re thankful for at Baylor this Thanksgiving
For so many, Thanksgiving means food, football, and maybe the start of Christmas shopping. But before we get to all that, let’s remember why it’s called “Thanksgiving” — by giving thanks for some of what the blessings we, the Baylor Family, have received this year:
* Getting back to normal — After a year of adapting to pandemic life, campus life returned to basically normal this fall. Football games have been full of spirit, and this year’s Homecoming was a particularly special reunion for the Baylor Family. It’s been so wonderful to gather together once more!
* The incredible Baylor experience — We’ve long known how special a Baylor education is; now, others are starting to see it, too. This fall, U.S. News ranked Baylor No. 15 nationally out of 400+ national universities when it comes to students’ first-year experiences. The Wall Street Journal was even more impressed, ranking Baylor No. 4 nationally for student engagement.
* Athletic success — 2021 will definitely be remembered as the year Baylor men’s basketball won its first national championship — but they weren’t the only ones this year! Acrobatics & tumbling won its sixth straight national title this year, and men’s tennis fell one win shy of bringing home Baylor’s third championship of the year. This fall, we’ve already seen top-10 rankings for football and volleyball… and the year’s not over yet!
* New additions to the Baylor Family — In the spring, we welcomed Nicki Collen as the fifth head coach in Baylor women’s basketball history. Dr. Sandeep Mazumder joined the Baylor faculty as the new dean of Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business. We also welcomed the Class of 2025 to campus!
* Our Christian faith — We shouldn’t take for granted how amazing it is to be part of a university that recognizes that all truth is God’s truth, and isn’t afraid to put that truth to the test. To be part of a family where a relationship with Jesus is not only accepted, it’s encouraged. To live, learn and work at a place where the integration of Christian faith and the intellectual life is actively encouraged. Lord, we give You thanks for this place.
* The green and gold we fling afar — By year’s end, we will have witnessed nearly 4,500 new Baylor graduates receive their diplomas, and we could not be more proud. Our alumni are the legacy of this great university, the ones will light the ways of time.
Though this isn’t a complete list, it’s clear that we have much to be thankful for as Baylor Bears. Together — near and flung afar — let us remember be thankful through this season.
Sic ’em, Baylor Family!