Presidential Perspective - June 30, 2022

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

As we look toward the July 4th holiday and a much-needed break for all of us, I am thankful for the sacrifices made by our veterans and current military to ensure the United States remains great and prosperous. Many of you may already know that the First Gent is a huge military history buff, particularly regarding World War II.

Over the past 28 years as a high school teacher, Brad has hosted approximately 120 different WWII veterans in his classroom who share their stories with his students. He said, “It is still one of the greatest things I’ve ever experienced as a teacher; to be able to introduce these men and women heroes to my students.”

So while you enjoy sleeping late, eating some Texas barbecue and viewing fireworks on Monday, I hope you remember and offer thanks not only for our WWII veterans, but all who serve and protect our country. I know the First Gent and I will.

A few updates for this week:

• We are so blessed by University Carillonneur Lynnette Geary, who shares her gift of playing the majestic McLane Carillon atop Pat Neff Hall before holidays from Juneteenth to Veterans Day and in commemoration of special moments on campus such as Commencement. Tomorrow at 12:15 p.m., Lynnette will perform a program of music ahead of the July 4th holiday, including the songs of each branch of our U.S. Armed Forces. The free recital is about 25 minutes long, so bring your lunch and a blanket or lawn chair, find some shade in the areas around Pat Neff Hall and enjoy the music.


• And then on Monday, don’t forget the annual Fourth on the Brazos at Touchdown Alley adjacent to McLane Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m., with musical icons The Commodores performing at 7:30 p.m. and then the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:15 p.m. over the Brazos River. Fourth on the Brazos is free, thanks to the City of Waco, H-E-B and other sponsors.


• Due to the recent heat advisory for Texas, we took special precaution with our bears, Joy and Lady, who are 22 and 21, respectively, keeping them inside last week to ensure their comfort and well-being. With the advisory lifted on Monday, Lady returned to the yard at the Williams Bear Habitat, but some of you may have noticed that Joy is not currently outside with her sister. As an older bear, she is experiencing some arthritis issues. Our bear caregivers and dedicated veterinary team are taking great care of our beloved Joy, who will remain inside at this time for her health. We will keep you updated on how she is doing.


• I am excited about the future of the Big 12 Conference! Earlier this week I had the honor and privilege of participating in the search process that led to the selection of noted former NBA executive and current Roc Nation chief operating officer Brett Yormark as the next commissioner of the conference. His career has been at the forefront of the intersection of sports and entertainment, and he has created some of the largest sponsorships in sports history, both professional and college. I look forward to introducing Mr. Yormark to Baylor at McLane Stadium this fall and honoring him with a Baylor Line jersey.

Here's to a safe and restful long weekend,

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

This summer marks the 39th year of Baylor’s University for Young People within the School of Education. More than 300 students from grades 1-12 attended UYP in June under the tutelage of more than 40 instructors, mentors and staff. The following campus images were taken by 4th- and 5th-graders in an “Exploring Your World” class taught by University Photographer Robbie Rogers. As Robbie said, “iPads and lots of creative kids.”