On Monday almost 110 years since the lynching of Jesse Washington, Baylor University hosted an author talk and panel discussion about the stories and horrors, of Waco’s racist past. This panel was hosted in lieu of the Baylor Press’s recent publication, “God of the Whirlwind: Horror Memory and Story in Black Waco,” edited by Tyler B Davis.
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Campus buzzed with music and creativity Saturday night as students took the stage for Acoustic Café, an annual event hosted by Union Board that transformed the SUB into a cozy, coffeehouse-style open mic night.
“We’re protecting one another, and we’re standing with individuals who are survivors as well and not shying away from the topic at all, but also giving sanctity to the month that is hosted to promote the awareness of it, which is also preventative,” Willis said.
Argyle sophomore Avery Mortman and her mother, Michelle Mortman, brought a fresh sense of style to downtown Waco when they opened their boutique Golden Green in November, offering a carefully curated selection of trendy and timeless pieces.
“[Guns ‘N Hoses] means a lot because a lot of our Special Olympics athletes don’t get the opportunity to play in quote-on-quote ‘regular sports’ with other kids,” Johnson said. “This gives them the opportunity to come out and participate.”
“We stress that we want everyone to feel welcomed and feel they can come to us for anything,” Frazier said. “So just being able to show everyone that we are here on this campus, and we are here to make sure that everyone feels welcome in this space.”
“[Stanley] is so well respected, not only in terms of level of competitiveness at the school that he was at, but being about all the right things — about student development, about alignment with [the] Christian mission,” Cook said.
While it’s not a direct result of Rodman’s appointment as director of public safety, there’s been another development on the BUDPS front. After long backups, new police vehicles are finally arriving to rejuvenate BUPD’s fleet of cars.
The minor, which incorporates the study of the humanities into an examination of climate issues, now sports a wider array of courses and funding to facilitate student engagement.
“Sigma Week is the culmination of all our hard work and planning,” Salinas said. “It’s been a lot … but for it to be less than a week away, I’m really excited.”
FM72 is an annual tradition where members of the Baylor community and beyond gather on Fountain Mall for 72 hours of prayer, worship, scripture readings and more. Beginning in 2018, FM72 has seen a nationwide impact, helping develop ministries such as Passion and the Journeyman Mission Program.
“At Baylor there is no need to hide or shed your religious beliefs to engage in academic study. That is a real gift that Baylor offers to students,” Stahl said. “Professors may not start every class with their faith beliefs, but students can be assured that all their teachers are faithful people who do their work for the enrichment of both Baylor and their faith communities.”
The organization’s Waco location fights to prevent trafficking by educating youth on warning signs in juvenile centers and schools, including Baylor; members also train law enforcement, hospitals and community leaders to recognize and address trafficking, according to Hayes.
For a decade, sexual assault cases and Title IX lawsuits created a dark chapter in Baylor’s story.
Baylor attracts students from around the world, offering academic opportunities and a diverse campus community. International students have their own experiences adjusting to life at Baylor, from navigating a new culture to finding support through campus resources and student organizations.
RISE, which stands for Reflecting Cultural Diversity, Inspiring Leadership Growth, Strengthening Community Relations and Ensuring Lasting Impact, passed on March 6 in the student senate, with 32 of 35 senators voting in favor. It ensures 2.5% of the roughly $500,000 Student Government Allocation Fund — about $12,000 — is dedicated to helping sponsor cultural organizations.
“We know that housing alone will not solve homelessness, but we believe that community will,” Hinojosa said. “That is what is baked into our model.”
While food banks and delivery services look to solve the symptoms of food insecurity, Meraz said that poor nutrition is often linked to a lack of internal motivation. This, in turn, is caused by the increasing social isolation felt by many adults. According to the CDC, one in three report feeling lonely, and one in four say they lack social and emotional support.
“Radical unity and radical prayer have spurred on an extraordinary movement of God at Baylor University over the past seven years,” he said.
Fabled Bookshop and Cafe will host its fourth biannual “Buzzed Bee,” an adult spelling bee, on Feb. 28. This month’s theme is “Dr. Seuss,” featuring a playful list of “very silly and Seuss-y words,” according to Fabled’s communications manager Kai Jackson.
Baylor Student Foundation plays a key role in fundraising, scholarship initiatives and campus events. Commonly known as StuFu, the organization provides students with leadership opportunities and a chance to engage with the university community. Members describe their experience as an opportunity to develop skills, build connections and contribute to Baylor’s mission.
In addition to giving students an opportunity to “have fun and fellowship with like-minded believers,” Oramalu said the event will be centered around Black History Month.
The Central Texas Cyber Range is a joint initiative between Baylor and McLennan Community College focused on cybersecurity education, workforce development, research and community engagement.
As pickleball tops the charts as one of the fastest-growing sports in America for the third year in a row, it’s easy to see the craze here on campus. It started off with some freshly painted lines on the McLean Tennis Courts between Penland Dining Hall and the Marrs-McLean Gym. Then it evolved into a trio of pickleball courts at the McLane Student Life Center. Latest on the list of pickleball’s imperial conquests are the Paul and Jill Underwood Pickleball Courts.
“It is our humble little stand, but it is something that we’re proud of,” DiCamillo said. “It’s fun and it just gives us an opportunity to share with others, neighbors, friends and really anybody that decides to follow along the journey.”
Tucked in a little shopping area on 25th St. and Washington Ave. lies The Carpenter’s Daughter, which opened in October 2024. It is run by an owner who thrives off her community and enthusiasm for her small business.
Baylor Undergraduate Research in Science and Technology provides an opportunity for students of all fields of study interested in scientific research. The BURST club is an organization that aims to support students at the university who are either involved or aspire to be involved in undergraduate research.
“We really wanted to create a Lunar New Year celebration here in Waco because we want to see more cultural festivals and be able to share more Asian heritage,” Chen said.
Between Waco Creek’s on-campus utility and merit as a local representation of a much larger ecosystem, the small body of water shapes campus itself.
“The number one thing is, be informed and know your rights,” Alvarado said. “Don’t believe everything you see on social media –– a lot of people trying to do good end up spreading false rumors, and that just spreads fear in the community.”