Baylor University Welcomes Students' Parents and Families for a Weekend of Exciting Events

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Contact: Lori Fogleman, Director of Media Communications, (254) 710-6275
WACO, Texas (Oct. 11, 2012) - Families of students at Baylor University will experience life as a "Baylor Bear" through various campus activities and events to be held as part of this year's Parent and Family Weekend on Oct. 12-13.
A Baylor tradition since 1960, this annual event gives families of Baylor students the opportunity to learn more about the community and life on campus. Parents and family members experience Baylor's unique traditions, history, academic excellence, athletic programs and student talent through numerous events.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, Oct. 12, 2012
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Welcome Activities
' Welcome Reception: Visit the Barfield Drawing Room in the Bill Daniel Student Center to enjoy snacks, Dr Pepper floats and casual conversations with university administrators. This come-and-go event allows families to check-in and receive a schedule of events for the weekend.
' History Walks: Families are encouraged to experience Baylor's history through guided tours of campus. Each tour is led by current students and will give parents a new perspective on the rich tradition of the university.
3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Last Lectures
Inspired by the book, The Last Lecture, four Baylor professors have been invited to give what they deem their most important message to the families of Baylor's students. This event will give parents the opportunity to hear from the world-class faculty in an environment similar to the classroom.
' 3 p.m. Dean Elizabeth Vardaman in Bennett Auditorium
' 3:30 p.m. Mrs. Tommye Lou Davis in Kayser Auditorium inside the Hankamer School of Business
' 4 p.m. Tom Hanks, Ph.D. in Bennett Auditorium
' 4:30 p.m. Blaine McCormick, Ph.D. in Kayser Auditorium inside the Hankamer School of Business
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Parent & Family Weekend Choral Concert
Five of Baylor University's vocal ensembles present their annual fall choral concert for Parent & Family Weekend. Each ensemble will present a short set of selections from a diverse array of genres and style periods. Featured ensembles include Bella Voce, Concert Choir, Men's Choir, Women's Choir and A Cappella Choir. The free concert will take place at Jones Concert Hall in the Glennis McCrary Music Building and is open to the public.
5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Artist Reception & Gallery Talk
The Martin Museum of Art at Baylor University will feature a selection of oil paintings by contemporary Texas artist Sedrick Huckaby. Guided by his family and faith, Huckaby's artistic vision tells the story of his connections with his family members. The gallery talk and reception for Huckaby will take place in the Martin Museum of Art.
6:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. After Dark
A great tradition of Parent and Family Weekend, the After Dark variety show showcases Baylor's creative students, featuring top student talent in outstanding performances of dance, stand-up comedy, musical theater and solo work. The show will take place in Waco Hall and requires tickets.
7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Dessert Party
This dessert social transforms Founders Mall with tables of delicious desserts, music of a live jazz band and elegant lighting. This long-standing tradition is always a favorite of the weekend.
8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.) Moonlight Madness
Be sure to be at the Ferrell Center for Baylor's nationally-televised Moonlight Madness. Baylor will be one of 14 sites featured during the more than four hours of ESPNU's national coverage. Baylor players will participate in slam dunk and 3-point contests, along with numerous other activities featuring Brittney Griner, Pierre Jackson and Brady Heslip. There will also be various giveaways for fans in attendance.

Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012
8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. State of the University Address
Baylor President Ken Starr will give a presentation to families in Waco Hall. Parents will hear about Baylor's Strategic Plan and the significant construction that is taking place. The presentation will be followed by a time for questions. A new addition to the weekend, this event will offer a unique interaction with Judge Starr.
9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Parent-Faculty Coffee
One of many aspects that make Baylor unique is its faculty's devotion to their students. This is exemplified at the Parent-Faculty Coffee hosted in the Burleson Quadrangle. The coffee allows parents an incredible opportunity to engage professors while enjoying coffee, juice and brunch items.
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Times of Discovery
' The Beauty of Baylor: Families are invited to participate in guided tours of Baylor's incredible facilities. The tours are a wonderful chance to see Baylor's beautiful campus.
' Exploring Waco: Learn more about the city Baylor calls home by taking advantage of a wide variety of Waco attractions. Discounts are offered by local businesses and restaurants such as the Dr Pepper Museum and Oso's Frozen Yogurt.
3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Game Day Activities
' Student Tailgate: Join in the festivities leading up to the game. Student tailgate will start at 3 p.m.
' Baylor vs. TCU: Come enjoy a football game in Baylor's Floyd Casey Stadium as the Bears take on TCU. Tickets are required and can be purchased at baylorbears.com.
For more information about Parents Weekend, click here.
by Brent Salter, 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 15,000 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 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.