By Dominic Edwards
Student Body President
Each summer, groups of matriculating students journey to the place where Baylor University humbly began in 1845. As the sun sets upon the Earth and proverbially upon a season in their lives, the students walk through Old Baylor Park’s historic columns in Independence, Texas, to signify their induction into the Baylor Line.
Then each spring, graduating seniors return to Old Baylor Park, just days before commencement. The students, again, walk through the columns; this time, to symbolize their transition from student members of the Baylor Line to alumni members.
Throughout the four-year span between first walking through the columns of Independence and returning to those same relics, Baylor Bears take part in a host of memorable traditions. Regardless of generation, we have all experienced chapel, Dr Pepper Hour and our live mascots to name a few.
The commonalities in our experiences tie each of us together. That unique bond among the Baylor family continues to draw alumni together each year as they return home to the Waco campus.
Homecoming is not just a time to watch Pigskin Revue performances, bask in the light of the bonfire and cheer on our football team. Instead, Homecoming is a time where commitment is met with celebration.
As we light the ways of time, we celebrate the dedication of the entire Baylor family. Our family is made up of over 165,000 living alumni, over 16,000 students and millions of others who call our institution a friend. This all-encompassing commitment allows for the distinct opportunities we are afforded to be seen across the very world we live in.
Throughout our Baylor family, we see dozens of examples of this devotion. We recognize the alumni who have given their time, talent, and treasure. On behalf of the student body, I say thank you to each person who has made the Baylor experience what it is today. It is because of your labor, your love and your generosity that our institution’s name is harkened in every corner of the nation.
As we onward go, there is an ever-present need to continue our culture of faithfulness: faithfulness to the Lord, faithfulness to the Baylor Line and faithfulness to the university. Students are charged with continuing this rich tradition for the sake of those who will follow in their footsteps. Today, we are blessed with these opportunities. Tomorrow, we are entrusted with the responsibility to provide these opportunities to others.
What a great time it is to be a part of the Baylor Line! With the festivities and reunions already happening, I am filled with so much joy and pride. This university has truly become my home during my undergraduate career. My hope and prayer is that others will find this same sense of belonging on our campus. Happy Homecoming!
Dominic Edwards is a senior marketing major from Arlington. He is the student body president for the 2014-2015 academic year.
