Baylor University Celebrates Family Weekend Sept. 18 and 19

September 16, 2015

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Media contact: Lori Fogleman, (254) 710-6275
WACO, Texas (Sept. 16, 2015) — A longstanding tradition since 1960, Baylor University’s Family Weekend will take place Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, giving families of Baylor students a chance to become better acquainted with the university and spend time with their children.
“Family Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for families to make a unique connection with the Baylor community,” said Marianna Arana, chairman of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce’s Family Weekend committee. “There will be time to hear from President Starr, meet Baylor’s outstanding faculty and participate in other exciting events. We hope that after attending this weekend, guests feel that they are a part of a very caring Baylor family.”
The schedule of events is as follows.
Friday, Sept. 18
2-5 p.m. Welcome Reception — Families can stop by the Barfield Drawing Room in the Bill Daniel Student Center to enjoy snacks, Dr Pepper and casual conversations with university administrators. During this come-and-go event, families may also check in and receive the schedule of events for the weekend.
3-5 p.m. History Walks — Families are encouraged to experience the history of Baylor through guided tours of the campus. These tours, led by current students, will give families a new perspective on the rich tradition of the university. Along the way, attendees will encounter Baylor alumni who each have their own stories to tell. The tour will begin in front of the Bill Daniel Student Center.
3-5 p.m. Last Lectures — Inspired by the book, “The Last Lecture,” four Baylor professors have been invited to give an important message to the families of Baylor’s students. This event will give families the opportunity to hear from the world-class faculty who educate their students in an environment similar to the classroom experience. This event will take place in the Bill Daniel Student Center.
5 p.m. Family Weekend Choral Concert — The annual Family Weekend Choral Concert, which will take place in Jones Concert Hall inside McCrary Music Building, will feature performances by six of Baylor University's choral groups: A Cappella Choir, Concert Choir, Bella Voce, Women's Choir, Men's Choir and VirtuOSO.
7-8:30 p.m. Dessert Party — On Friday evening, Founder’s Mall will be transformed for the annual dessert party, with tables of delicious desserts, the music of a jazz band and elegant lighting. Parents, families and students may visit while enjoying a dessert break.
8 p.m. After Dark (First Showing) — After Dark is an all-university variety show held annually during Family Weekend. It features top student talent from outstanding solo performances, dance and stand-up comedy to musical theater. This event will take place in Waco Hall. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
Saturday, Sept. 19
8:30-9:15 a.m. State of the University Address — Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr will give a brief presentation to families on in Waco Hall. Families will hear about Baylor's Pro Futuris strategic plan and the significant construction that is taking place. The presentation will be followed by a time for questions. A newer addition to the weekend, this event will offer opportunity for a unique interaction with Starr.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. McLane Stadium Tours — Families will be given the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at McLane Stadium, home of the back-to-back Big 12 Champion Baylor Bear football team. Tours will take place every 30 minutes. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
9:30-11 a.m. Parent-Faculty Coffee — One of the many aspects that sets Baylor apart is the faculty's devotion to their students. This is exemplified in a parent-faculty coffee. Hosted on Fountain Mall, the coffee allows families the opportunity to engage their student’s professors while enjoying coffee, juice and brunch items.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Beauty of Baylor and Explore Waco — Families are invited to participate in guided tours of some of the incredible Baylor facilities. This is a wonderful chance to see some of the beauty of Baylor's campus, including the Williams Bear Habitat, Armstrong Browning Library and the Mayborn Museum. Families are also encouraged to explore the city of Waco as well.
3 p.m. Kaleidoscope Concert — The Kaleidoscope Concert, which will take place in Jones Concert Hall inside McCrary Music Building, will offer music performed by the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and A Cappella Choir under their respective conductors, Stephen Heyde, J. Eric Wilson and Alan Raines.
5:30-7 p.m. and 8-9:30 p.m. Dinner at the Hippodrome — Guests of Family Weekend are offered a unique opportunity to enjoy an evening in the historic Waco Hippodrome Theatre. This event will allow guests the opportunity to have a meal in the Waco Hippodrome while hearing from a keynote speaker. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
8 p.m. After Dark (Second Showing) — After Dark is an all-university variety show held annually during Family Weekend. It features top student talent from outstanding solo performances, dance and stand-up comedy to musical theater. This event will take place in Waco Hall. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
The Bill Daniel Student Center and Founder’s Mall are located at 1311 S. Fifth St., McCrary Music Building is located at 110 Baylor Ave., Fountain Mall is located at 1360 S. Fifth St., Waco Hall is located at 624 Speight Ave., McLane Stadium is located at 1001 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and the Waco Hippodrome Theatre is located at 724 Austin Ave.
For more information, contact the Baylor Chamber of Commerce at 254-710-3322.
by Ashton Brown, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 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 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.