Response for the City of West

It is anticipated that a number of Baylor offices and organizations will be involved in responding to the tragedy in West, TX. This web site will be used to communicate information about those activities and responses for the Baylor community.

Baylor Supports West on Facebook

A Facebook page has been setup to support Baylor's response to the events in West. To follow on social media, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baylor-Supports-West/161548767339513.

Latest Updates

eNews: Memorial Service for Fallen Firefighters
[4/30/2013]
The tragic events in the nearby town of West, Texas have deeply impacted and saddened the Baylor community. At the same time, they have called forth a powerful demonstration of the Christian mission and character of this great University. Through acts of service, sacrifice and generosity, the Baylor family both near and far have responded actively and compassionately to this terrible tragedy. As a result, we have demonstrated to our neighbors in West, and to the nation, the very essence of Baylor University.

Processional and Memorial Service Photo Gallery
[4/30/2013]
The 12 first responders who died battling the fire that led to last week's explosion in West, Texas, were remembered during a memorial service in the Ferrell Center Thursday afternoon. Baylor University was honored to provide the site for the service, which was organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Texas LODD Task Force

Thousands Gather at Baylor to Honor First Responders Killed in West Explosion
[4/26/2013]
WACO, Texas (April 25, 2013) -- President Barack Obama, Baylor University President Ken Starr, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and other dignitaries joined together to comfort thousands of mourners gathered at Baylor University on Thursday to honor 12 first responders killed trying to save others in the April 17 explosion of a fertilizer plant in West, Texas.

Memorial service on Baylor campus honors fallen heroes from West explosion
[4/25/2013]
The 12 first responders who died battling the fire that led to last week’s explosion in West, Texas, were remembered during a memorial service in the Ferrell Center Thursday afternoon. Baylor University was honored to provide the site for the service, which was organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Texas LODD Task [...]

News Flash: Ferrell Center Full for Memorial Service
[4/25/2013]
At this time the Ferrell Center is at capacity for this afternoon's memorial service. To view the memorial service please go to one of our alternate locations on campus. Waco Hall, the Bill Daniel Student Center and the Student Life Center will be broadcasting the service live. Athletic venues at the Turner Riverfront Athletic Complex will also provide a live broadcast of the ceremony and serve overflow crowds.

The Fireman's Prayer
[4/25/2013]
When duty call's me, oh Lord,
Wherever Flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever Be its age.

News Flash: Firefighter Memorial Service at the Ferrell Center
[4/24/2013]
University officials have continued their planning meetings today with representatives from the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and the White House advance team to discuss tomorrow's memorial service for the fallen firefighters of West, Texas.

Memorial Service for Fallen Firefighters
[4/24/2013]
Tomorrow afternoon, representatives from the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will host a memorial service to honor the twelve firefighters who gave their lives battling the recent fire and explosion in West, Texas. A

News Flash: West Memorial Service at Baylor's Ferrell Center
[4/22/2013]
On Thursday, April 25, Baylor University's Ferrell Center will be the site of a memorial service organized by the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force to remember the firefighters and first responders who died in last week's tragic explosion in West.

Hearts of service: Three Baylor nursing students were among the first on the scene in West
[4/22/2013]
Last Wednesday, two Baylor nursing students and one recent graduate were driving back from Waco to Dallas following ROTC when they decided to grab dinner at a popular I-35 stop just north of Waco. (You probably see where this is going already.) The trio — seniors Ali Nordlander, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Ashlyn McNeely, of [...]

Blood Drive TODAY on the Baylor Campus
[4/19/2013]
WACO, Texas (April 19, 2013) -- In response to calls for life-saving blood donations, Baylor University and Carter BloodCare will have a campus-wide blood drive today beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the Baylor campus. Two Carter BloodCare donation buses will be located on Fifth Street by Marrs McLean Gym and the Vara Martin Daniel Plaza.

Baylor President Starr's Message to Baylor Nation: Supporting Our Neighbors in West
[4/18/2013]
Baylor President Ken Starr reaches out to Baylor Nation about the tragic events in West, Texas, only 17 miles from the Baylor campus. The University community continues to be in prayer for West and for the members of our own Baylor family whose lives have been disrupted by this disaster so suddenly. However, on Diadeloso, a day of tradition for our University, Baylor Nation is choosing to embody an even greater tradition -- that inspired by Christ Jesus to be energetically in service to the needy.

Free Community-Wide Concert At Baylor Tonight to Benefit West, Texas
[4/18/2013]
WACO, Texas (April 18, 2013) - Five for Fighting, known for the hit song "Superman (It's Not Easy)" that became an anthem after the Sept. 11 attacks, will perform tonight (Thursday, April 18) at a benefit concert at Baylor University to aid the West, Texas, community as it recovers from Wednesday's explosion. The concert is free and open to the community. Cash donations are welcome to support relief efforts in West. The concert - originally scheduled for tonight on Fountain Mall on the Baylor campus as part of the University's Diadeloso celebration - has been moved indoors to the Ferrell Center, 1900 S. University Parks Drive at LaSalle Avenue in Waco.

Baylor community rallies for West, Texas, as Diadeloso becomes DiaDelWest
[4/18/2013]
Few things could make me more proud than seeing how the Baylor community has sprung into action following the explosion last night in nearby West, Texas (about 20 miles north of Waco). Students organized a midnight prayer gathering in front of Waco Hall, drawing almost 100 people to pray for those affected. Overnight, the university [...]

WacoTrib.com: Helpful links for those affected by West plant explosion
[4/18/2013]
WacoTrib.com reports, "Officials have released a few links to aid West residents affected by Wednesday night's explosion at the West Fertilizer Co."

Baylor Response to Tragic Events in City of West
[4/18/2013]
The explosions Wednesday night in West have shocked and saddened us all. We are eager to be of assistance. LATEST BAYLOR UPDATE: 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2013: Blood Drive TODAY on the Baylor Campus