Baylor Chamber Announces Diadeloso 2020: Social Distancing Edition

April 13, 2020

Annual Day of the Bear will be celebrated virtually on Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-709-5959
Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMedia

WACO, Texas (April 13, 2020) – Social distancing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 may have scattered Baylor University students far and wide this spring semester, but they still will have the opportunity to celebrate the University’s traditional Diadeloso, or “The Day of the Bear,” which will be hosted virtually by the Baylor Chamber of Commerce all day Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

The “Diadeloso 2020: Social Distancing” schedule of events will be spread throughout the day so Baylor students, alumni and families can take part in events as they are able. All of the day’s videos will be posted live throughout the day and then chronicled, with the exception of the evening’s virtual concert, on the Diadeloso social media channels: Facebook @baylordiadeloso, Instagram @baylordiadeloso and Twitter @baylordiadeloso.

“Diadeloso isn’t just here on campus, it is wherever you are,” said Corban Sorrells, Baylor Chamber of Commerce Diadeloso chair and a junior marketing/management major from Hideaway, Texas. “Planning for this year’s Dia has been different than any other year. We are thinking of brand new ways to engage people across the country and are going completely virtual. Our committee of Chamber students is excited about this opportunity, and while it has presented some new challenges, we are just grateful to have the chance to show our spirit and honor the tradition well. I think all of us students are yearning for a reason to celebrate, so this is a much-welcomed opportunity.”

In addition to the Dia activities, all proceeds from the purchase of Diadeloso apparel, including special packages, will go directly to the President’s Excellence Fund, which was created to provide a way for alumni, parents, and friends to make philanthropic gifts that allow the University to address emerging needs quickly.

DIADELOSO SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

On Tuesday, April 21, the Diadeloso virtual schedule includes:

**All times Central**

9 AM Official welcome to Diadeloso 2020

9 to 11 AM At-Home Fun Run

This year's Fun Run is for everyone to get outside and walk or move or ride a bike for as long or short as you want while wearing your Baylor gear. Or try out your own version of a Sic ’Em 6k. Tag official Diadeloso accounts on social media and use #diadeloso on your posts for a chance to be highlighted by Baylor social media.

11 AM to 1 PM Noon Meal

A Dia tradition is the campus community gathering together to share a meal. Since we cannot all meet on Fountain Mall, snap a picture of your meal and tag official Diadeloso accounts on social media.

Noon Judge Joy & Judge Lady's Noon Meal

Tune in for a live stream of Judge Joy and Judge Lady receiving their own special Día-themed Noon Meal.

2 PM Virtual Dog Show Judging

Get a glimpse of First Gent Brad Livingstone and First Dog Bu (pronounced “boo”) judging the Dog Show entries for the cutest, most talented or most Baylor-spirited pup.
Submit a 10-second video or picture of your dog looking adorable, performing a trick or decked out in Baylor gear for a chance to win a special prize and get your pup featured on Baylor social media.
Submit entries to Diadeloso@baylor.edu from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17.

3 PM Dr Pepper Hour

Join in as people across the country share a Dr Pepper Float, and make your own if you are able. Be sure to tag official Diadeloso accounts on social media and use #diadeloso on your posts for a chance or a chance to be reposted on Baylor social media.

3 PM Voting Closes for Best Quarantine Video

Send us a 10-second video showcasing how you’ve spent your time or how you’re making the most of Diadeloso at home. The 10 best videos will be posted on social media and up for a fan vote. The top three videos will receive a special prize.
Submit entries to Diadeloso@baylor.edu from Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17.

4 PM Winners of Contests Announced

Tune in on social media to hear the winners of the Dog Show and Best Quarantine Videos.

5 PM Scavenger Hunt

Join the rest of the Baylor family for a fun, in-home scavenger hunt for prizes.

7 PM Private Virtual Concert *Surprise Guest*

Since students are unable to be together for a concert on campus, Baylor Chamber is bringing a private virtual concert to them featuring one of the biggest names in Christian music.

8 PM Conclusion

“Baylor recognizes the tremendously unusual situation many of us are in the midst of,” said Dakota Farquhar-Caddell, Associate Director of Student Activities & Robert L. Reid Director of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce. “Many students may still have class on Tuesday, some students have picked up extra jobs while at home to help make ends meet, while some students are caring for family members in need. Some students have been experiencing great loss, while other students are still learning how to transition well to a different pace of living and learning.

“While it may be more difficult than ever to pause and celebrate each other and the Baylor family during this unprecedented time, the call to do so has never been greater,” he said. “Baylor Bears, family and friends around the country are invited to commemorate all that this community is; to pause and remember that the Baylor family isn’t just in Waco, but it is truly around the entire world. We hope no matter who you are or where you are, if you have found yourself connected to Baylor in some way, you’ll join us in honoring all that we have to be grateful for on this ‘Day of the Bear.’”

More information about Diadeloso is available on the Baylor Chamber website at www.baylor.edu/diadeloso.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.