Author: Kalena Reynolds

In comparison to a school like the University of Texas at Austin, which regularly holds events to support the homeless community and has a social work program that collaborates with the city, it appears that Baylor is missing out on many opportunities.

While they didn’t graduate with film degrees, Baylor alumni Kirby Warnock and Mike Markwardt both found a magnetic attraction to cinema as a medium for sharing their passions. Now, they tell stories of the historical Texas music scene.

If you’ve driven through any populated area of Waco, you’ve probably seen Cade Kegerreis’ murals. From Union Hall and the Dr Pepper Museum to the Texas Sports Hall Of Fame, his work has earned him the title of “Waco muralist.”

From girlhood to growing pains, Baylor sophomore Abbey Ferguson’s poetry book entitled “everything i didn’t say” is an in-depth look at her journey in love, life and college.

The first-ever “Waco Block Party” is coming downtown this weekend for three days full of music, movies, podcasts and crafts. It will be free and family-friendly, taking place all day Thursday through Saturday at 500 Washington Ave.

For Baylor alumni Ashley and Alpha Newberry, entrepreneurial journeys have been a familiar pursuit. In October 2023, Ashley went rug tufting with her friends in Austin and was instantly hit with a wave of inspiration and a new business idea for what will soon be Fuzz Lab Waco.

For New Milford, Conn., senior and TKE Sing chair Anthony Izzo, being part of Sing is something exciting that members are ready to participate in and learn from as they embark on a new journey for the chapter.

In 2023, Chi Omega and Alpha Tau Omega collaborated to take home the No. 1 spot. The Chi Omega president and a Alpha Tau Omega Sing chair talk about what helped them clinch first place.

Malcolm Guite — a poet, priest and scholar in theology and the arts from North Walsham, England — will arrive at Baylor on Feb. 25 for a weeklong residency, where he will present the endowed Charles G. Smith lecture.

British indie-rock band The Last Dinner Party released its first full-length album, “Prelude to Ecstasy,” on Feb. 2. The album is filled with 12 raw and rock-forward songs that have tucked-away hints of baroque-era classical music and lyrics that touch on a multitude of topics, including girlhood, sexuality and the male gaze.

In fall 2022, the Music Industry Club became the only organization on campus to cater to students who want to work in the music industry after college.

Before the space at 1319 N 15th St. became Jubilee Theatre, it was an adult theater known as “The Capri” — an avid hotspot for drug dealers and prostitutes until it shut down due to a recession. Mission Waco obtained the deed to the space for free in 1994, and it immediately began raising money to restore the building and craft it into a space for community theater.

Titled “Speaking in the Vernacular,” the exhibit will be in the Jesse H. Jones Library through May. It is the first of its kind to feature three-dimensional pieces, and it includes a wide array of art mediums — from photographs to German wheelbarrows.

Love is in the air, and with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, the Martin Museum of Art’s annual Print-a-Valentine event is approaching. Allison Chew, director of the museum, said the event will include a series of six wood-cut design templates from which attendees can choose to create a print.

Walkable cities, where people can coexist with everything they need, are one of the missed opportunities of American culture. In reality, college is one of the only places to experience that feeling.

From album announcements to audience call-outs, the highly anticipated 66th Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, is sparking attention on social media for controversial awards choices and unique celebrity outfits.

Following the 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. the Board of Education — which began a decadeslong process of the racial integration of public schools — Baylor voluntarily adopted racial integration in 1963. While the university has made strides to embrace diversity and inclusion on campus since then, members of the Baylor community say there is always work to be done.

Musician and educator Richard A. Thompson IV made the move from Indianapolis to Waco in 2010 to pursue a relationship with his now-wife and dig deeper into his faith — and before long, Waco became the heart of his muse for music, creativity and spirituality.

From Magnolia to murals, the city of Waco has recently seen a revolution of art and creativity spring from its streets. Local artists and songwriters Holly Tucker and Jennifer Pisarcik are two glowing examples of the talent that lies within the city.

When I first sat down, Black began by asking me to place the money for the reading in my hands and make a wish; she then proceeded to ask me to cut the deck of tarot cards she had earlier placed in front of me. After doing so, Black asked me to tell her two questions I wanted to know about.

These holes-in-the-wall range from a delicious family-owned dessert shop to a unique resale store that features an array of noteworthy clothing pieces, artwork and more.

Gladstone was the first indigenous actress nominated for best actress in a motion picture at the Golden Globes. The actress has racked up a number of awards nominations this year and is bound to make a statement at the Oscars as well.

Waco is home to many different cultures and lifestyles, and while there is plenty of opportunities for those living in the city, what about those who are no longer living at all? Little do most people know, some of Waco’s most famous tourist spots are allegedly home to a multitude of ghosts.

Having sex is OK and completely natural, and waiting to have sex until marriage is OK as well. However, it’s important for everyone to understand that skipping from the dating stage to marriage just to have sex is setting them up for failure.

The idea of eternal punishment insinuates the notion that it’s not possible to grow past your mistakes. What makes the most sense based on this interpretation is purgatory — a temporary place for purification.

Hidden in the heart of Thrst Coffee is an art gallery that aims to spotlight unique artists and bring the Waco community together through art. Located east of downtown Waco, 507 Gallery is the creation of Thrst Coffee owner Andreas Zaloumis and curator Josh Collins.

If I had forced myself to study something that seemed more “practical” to the outside world, I would have been miserable, and that is the simple consequence of not living your truth.

“Join or Die” centers on the decline of community and lack of in-person relationships in America, and it focuses on the work of Dr. Bob Putnam and his book titled “Bowling Alone.” After the viewing, there will be a discussion session with the director’s siblings, Pete and Rebecca Davis, and the head of Creative Waco, Fiona Bond.

Christmas is right around the corner, and it’s finally socially acceptable to buy a jug of eggnog that will probably sit in the back of your fridge until spring cleaning comes around. That said, it’s also time for the annual rotation of classic Christmas movies, so here’s the starting lineup based on originality, acting, plot and likability. And no, “Die Hard” didn’t make the list.

For Baylor cross country athletes Ryan and Ellie Hodge, their collegiate athletics careers have looked slightly different than most. The pair met after Ellie transferred to Baylor to continue her athletic career, and sparks flew immediately. Fast forward, and they are happily married with a newborn baby girl.