Presidential Perspective - December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

Christmas is really the most wonderful time of the year at Baylor University. The unity and warmth of the holiday begins for me with the Baylor Family collectively reflecting on the coming of Christ in our traditional Preparing Our Hearts Advent series. This year’s daily devotionals are again written by Baylor faculty, staff and students, and each one reminds us of the hope, faith, joy and peace we have in our Savior’s birth. The readings started on Dec. 1 and will continue through Christmas Eve.

In addition to the Advent series, I am looking forward to tonight’s annual Christmas on 5th Street festivities beginning at 5 p.m. on Fountain Mall and in the SUB. I hope you have made plans to share in the activities that will culminate with the traditional KOT Christmas Tree Lighting and concert featuring Briscoe. There will be food trucks, a market on the Quad and horse-drawn carriages along 3rd Street, not to mention photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the live Nativity. Visit the Christmas on 5th Street website for an updated schedule of events.

These are two of my favorite things about Christmas at Baylor, but you should check the University Calendar for the full slate of worship services, concerts and more happening this holiday season … including this weekend’s “A Baylor Christmas.” Tickets start at just $10 as the performances will be at Waco Hall for the first time in more than 20 years. Visit the Waco Hall Box Office online or in person for details.

Here are some updates for today:

  • LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS: As we bring the fall semester to a close, I hope you will join together as a Baylor Family and attend then Lift Up Your Hearts prayer and worship service next Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. in Powell Chapel at Truett Seminary. Faculty and staff may register in advance for the complimentary luncheon that follows the service in the Piper Great Hall. Lift Up Your Hearts is led by various members of the Baylor community, and it complements the Faculty and Staff Chapelservices held each semester. I look forward to seeing you there.
  • BREAKFAST TACOS FOR STUDENTS: Next Tuesday, Dec. 10, is the last day of classes for the semester, and the First Gent and I will be passing out FREE breakfast tacos (while supplies last) to students before final exams begin. This has become an annual Livingstone tradition, and I hope many of you will come by to fuel up for Study Day. We will be at Moody Memorial Library beginning at 6 p.m. to feed you and extend our best wishes and support for finals.
  • BAYLOR ORNAMENT DEADLINE: Don’t forget tomorrow is the last day to get your exclusive 2024 Baylor Traditions Ornament. There are two special designs that honor our Christian mission (the cross of Robbins Chapel and our new University seal). These ornaments make a great gift for any member of the Baylor Family!
  • NEW TOTAL COMP STATEMENTS: I hope our faculty and staff have seen the news that Total Compensation Statements are now available within Ignite. The personalized statements give a holistic view into the robust compensation package – including benefits and advantages – offered to Baylor employees. I encourage you to review your statement and visit the Total Compensation Statement page for additional resources. A link to a feedback form is included at the end of each statement, so please take a few minutes to complete it for continued improvement of this valuable resource. If you have any questions, our HR team is ready to assist you.
  • VOLLEYBALL HOSTS NCAA REGIONAL: Cheer on No. 16 Baylor volleyball tonight as our Bears begin the postseason by hosting the first and second rounds of the 2024 NCAA Volleyball Championship in the Ferrell Center. As the 4 seed in the lower right regional, Baylor will welcome Dayton, South Carolina and Wofford, with South Carolina and Dayton playing first at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Bears vs. Wofford at 7 p.m. If Baylor wins, our Bears will play again Friday at 7 p.m. This is the ninth-straight appearance for Baylor in the Big Dance, all under Coach Ryan McGuyre, so be sure you get your tickets, which are available online. The First Gent and I will see you there!
  • RANGEL GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP: Baylor’s Office of Engaged Learning is off to a successful – and early! – start helping our students maximize their undergraduate experience with major fellowships and awards. Isabella Zárate, a senior international studies and environmental studies double major from Katy, Texas, has been awarded the highly competitive Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship from the U.S. Department of State. Isabella is the third Baylor undergraduate to receive the Rangel Fellowship, which supports extraordinary individuals who want to pursue a career in the Foreign Service. It’s thrilling to see students embrace the transformational opportunities at Baylor – guided by our faculty – that prepare them for worldwide leadership and service.

The weather forecast for this evening is cool and breezy, so be sure to bundle up before you head over to Christmas on 5th. I hear there may be snow in the forecast!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President


PHOTO OF THE WEEK

A photo of The Christmas Tree in the foyer of the Bill Daniel Student Center

The Christmas Tree in the foyer of the Bill Daniel Student Center is officially lit! Thanks to the Union Board for their contributions to this wonderful Baylor tradition.