In 1909, Baylor hosted the first collegiate homecoming celebration in the nation. This week, we again renew that tradition, as the Baylor Family returns to campus to “catch that Baylor spirit again,” as President Samuel Palmer Brooks famously wrote more than a century ago.
At Homecoming, Baylor rolls out the red carpet to welcome you — alumni and friends — home. It’s the biggest Baylor Family reunion of the year — all about seeing old friends, recalling fond memories, sharing those stories with the next generation, and celebrating together as one.
[Find all the week’s details at baylor.edu/homecoming]
As you return to campus, start your visit at the new Hurd Welcome Center — the hub for all things Homecoming this year. After you’ve explored the grand Carlton Hall and experienced the columns for yourself, stop by the Cheng Welcome Desk to learn everything you need to know about Homecoming — what’s happening, when, and where.
The festivities begin Monday night with Homecoming Worship on Fountain Mall, followed by Dinner with the Livingstones on Wednesday. The festivities continue Thursday night with Mass Meeting and the first of four Pigskin Revue performances, followed Friday night by the 50-year class reunion, Singspiration, the Royal & Pure Homecoming Stroll-Off, Bonfire, Pep Rally and Extravaganza. Saturday opens with the nation’s largest collegiate Homecoming Parade, followed by Baylor football hosting Iowa State at 2:30 p.m. at McLane Stadium.
In addition to these traditional events, Homecoming 2023 also features multiple special events. In addition to serving as your Homecoming headquarters, the Hurd will also host “Homecoming at the Hurd,” offering panel discussions with Baylor Bear Habitat caretakers, behind-the-scenes tours, special photo ops, and more. In the historic heart of campus, the Texas Collection Centennial Celebration will welcome guests into Carroll Library Friday evening, and the newly renovated Collins Hall will host an open house for former residents and others who want to see the hall’s new look.
And that’s not all… Countless schools and departments are hosting open houses and alumni gatherings; check the Homecoming calendar for complete event listings and details. And if it’s been awhile since your last visit to campus, there’s lots of new things to see and do around Waco.
Sic ’em, Baylor Homecomers — welcome home!
[As you post on social media about the weekend, make sure to tag Baylor (@Baylor on Twitter/X, and @bayloruniversity on Instagram) and/or use hashtag “#BaylorHomecoming“. Baylor’s social media accounts will be sharing favorites all week!]