Presidential Perspective - July 20, 2023

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

As our Give Light philanthropic campaign moves into its final year, we have closed the books on FY23 with the second-highest fundraising year in Baylor’s history at more than $179 million. I am grateful for each of you – more than 94,000 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, fans and friends – who have generously supported the University’s endowment, capital priorities and current funds. Overall, donations to Give Light have eclipsed $1.37 billion, which supports Baylor students and faculty and is transforming our campus in so many ways.

Baylor’s mission as a premier Christian research university relies on the support of our Baylor Family, and it is humbling to witness the philanthropy of this community as our donors have responded to our call in truly transformational ways. Baylor’s future is incredibly bright!

Some updates for this week …

• PRICHARD CHAIR: Today we announced the addition of Stephen Newby, D.M.A., as the inaugural holder of The Lev H. Prichard III Chair in the Study of Black Worship. A professor, author, composer and minister, Dr. Newby brings a multifaceted background to the Prichard Chair, leading musical centers at Seattle Pacific University and Trevecca Nazarene University before coming to Baylor. In this role, he will conduct research and scholarship related to the preservation of Black gospel music through Baylor’s Black Gospel Music Preservation Program and build partnerships that promote and deepen understanding of the music.


• MEET THE BEARS: I am ready to fling the Green and Gold and support our Baylor Bears as the 2023-24 Baylor athletics season begins! Save the date now for the annual Meet the Bears event on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at McLane Stadium. This is a wonderful family-friendly opportunity to meet our outstanding student-athletes from 14 teams and get autographs, buy the latest Baylor gear and enjoy Kids Zone activities.


• ALLELUIA CONFERENCE: Did you know that a recent poll found that “music minister” is among top 10 most stressful jobs in the country? This is where Baylor’s 21st annual Alleluia Conference – led by our Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies – steps in to provide a spiritually stirring week of learning, inspiration and renewal for worship leaders, music ministers, children’s choir leaders and keyboard ministers. Alleluia combines clinician classes, reading sessions and lunch discussions with notable anthem composers with worship and evening concerts, including tonight’s Alleluia! Praise Gathering for Believers in Jones Concert Hall and a sold-out concert tomorrow night with legendary singer and Baylor alumnus David Phelps.


• PIGSKIN TICKETS: Tickets for one of Baylor’s cherished Homecoming traditions – Pigskin Revue – go on sale at 10 a.m. CT this Tuesday, July 25. Pigskin will be held Oct. 26-28 in Waco Hall and showcases the top eight student musical acts from All University Sing! It’s a very popular event, so if you plan to buy tickets, make sure you check out these helpful tips for using the ticket buying system.

How can it almost be the end of July?

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The First Gent and I joined our colleagues from Baylor’s Truett Seminary at the Texas Baptists Family Gathering earlier this week in McAllen, Texas.