Presidential Perspective - August 28, 2025

Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

The kickoff to the 2025 Baylor football season is upon us, and this is a big home opener in prime time for our Bears against an SEC opponent that travels well. Although the Auburn game isn’t until 7 p.m., it will still be warm, and we will be wearing black, so start hydrating today! Also, don’t forget it will be challenging to navigate around campus tomorrow afternoon. Please drive cautiously, pay careful attention to posted signs and consider avoiding I-35 and its adjacent service roads altogether. I know the Baylor Family will fill the stands at McLane Stadium tomorrow night, and I am looking forward to seeing and hearing you cheer on our team. Besides the game, I can’t wait to watch our freshmen run the Baylor Line for the first time – showcasing one of our special Baylor traditions to a national television audience.

On to a few updates for the week:

• STAFF AND FACULTY MEETINGS: We will host our annual staff and faculty meetings to start the fall semester on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. Both meetings will take place in the ballroom at the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, and refreshments will be available to begin each meeting. Staff and faculty are welcome to join both meetings, and we will also provide a recording for on-demand viewing if you are unable to attend either meeting.
• CLASS SONG FOR #BU29: Did you know each incoming class at Baylor gets its own unique song, written especially for them? It’s happened each year since 2008, and this is another one of my favorite things about the new academic year. This year's song for the Class of 2029 is called “CROSS//ROADs,” a blessing for #BU29 written and recorded by two current Baylor students with the help of Baylor’s School of Music and Office of Spiritual Life. The song captures the heart tug felt by new college students as they leave the past behind to step into the future, following God’s call to what’s next in life. You can listen to “CROSS//ROADs”on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as catch up on Baylor’s past class hymns on YouTube.
• ETRUSCAN TOMB DISCOVERY: Led by Baylor’s own Davide Zori, Ph.D., theSan Giuliano Archaeological Research Project team has made international headlines with their extraordinary discovery of a fully intact Etruscan tomb. Undisturbed for over 2,600 years, the tomb contained more than 100 remarkably preserved grave goods, and the find is being hailed as one of the most significant in decades. Brad and I had the opportunity to join the San Giuliano team in Barbarano Romano last summer, and we can attest that archeology is hard work! This discovery is a powerful testament to the impact of interdisciplinary teamwork, immersive education and the shared human connection.
• STAYCATION WEEKEND: Students, you’ve almost made it through the first week of classes and we have quite the Friday ahead with football’s season-opener. It’s also Labor Day Weekend, and there’s a big Staycation weekend of activities – and great discounts– available for you and your friends. Saturday is the time to meet the hundreds of student organizations at Late Night, and I know our local churches would love to see you on Sunday. Also, don’t forget to test out Waco Perks! Your Baylor ID unlocks discounts, deals and specials on food, entertainment, attractions and services across our hometown.
• WACO FARMERS MARKET: The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is a community staple, and several Baylor alumni have started culinary and other businesses at the Market. More than a hundred eateries, crafters and other sellers set up shop at the new location on the Bridge Street Plaza each week. It’s open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and starting Sept. 5 on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. You will find local fresh produce, handmade goods and live music, so be sure to stop by for food, friends and to reconnect with all your favorite local businesses.

See you at McLane tomorrow night, and Sic ’em, Bears!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Fountain Mall was filled with students last Sunday evening as we prepared our hearts and minds for the fall semester during our annual candlelight worship service.