Baylor Homecoming: Fun, Fellowship & Football
To start off the weekend, the Baylor Alumni Association will hold its annual meeting at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in Jones Theater of the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center. At 4 p.m., the meeting will move to the renovated and expanded Hughes-Dillard Alumni Center, 1212 S. University Parks Drive, for a dedication celebration.
"We are extending an open invitation and encouraging all alumni to come to the dedication," said Paula Tanner, the Association's assistant vice president for marketing and communications. "The facility was built so that alumni and friends would have a place at Baylor that they would be proud to call home," she said.
Ribbon-cutting at center
The ceremony will include a ribbon-cutting by Neal T. (Buddy) Jones, president of the Alumni Association, recognition of donor Dorothy Barfield Kronzer, for whom the center's Great Hall is named, and recognition of other major donors. Light refreshments will be served.
Most of the classes will be meeting for their reunions on the grounds of the center to further encourage people to visit the facility. Tents will be set up with a buffet line of finger foods. In the past, reunions have been held at the Waco Convention Center.
"We expect more than a thousand people to attend alumni meetings and dinners this year," Tanner said. For more information on reunion meetings or dinners, contact the Baylor Alumni Association at (254) 710-1121.
"Singspiration," a Baylor tradition, begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at First Baptist Church of Waco, 500 Webster, featuring the Baylor Religious Hour Choir and alumnus Ron Bowles, a '74 graduate and minister of music at First Baptist Church of El Paso. No tickets are required.
Later that night, alumni and students will prepare the football team for a victory over Kansas State at the annual pep rally and bonfire at 9:30 p.m., which will return to its traditional site on Fountain Mall, between Marrs-McLean Science Building and Sid Richardson. It will be "much-reduced" in size to safeguard against fire hazards, said Baylor DPS Chief Jim Doak. President Robert B. Sloan Jr. and head football coach Dave Roberts will speak.
The Homecoming parade, believed to be the largest collegiate parade in the nation, will begin its procession in downtown Waco at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. The Baylor Chamber expects about 40,000 people to attend, including many from the Waco community.
"This year's parade will include entries and representatives from campus organizations, most of the fraternities and sororities and distinguished alumni," said Andy McClain, Homecoming chairman for the Baylor Chamber of Commerce. "Last year's parade had 150 entries, and this year's parade will be even bigger."
Bears and Wildcats tangle
Two hours before the big game, Snickers Touchdown Alley will be open for football fans to enjoy live music, vendors, tents and games for children at the south end of Floyd Casey Stadium.
The scheduled match-up between the Baylor Bears and Kansas State is at 1 p.m. Saturday at the stadium. Game time may change, however, so contact the Athletic Department ticket office at (254) 710-1000 for the latest information or to purchase your tickets.
"Extravaganza," an on-campus dance at Baylor, begins at 8 p.m. Saturday. Pat Green, a well-known local country singer, will be the featured performer. Tickets are $7 at the gate or $5 in advance. Call the Baylor Chamber at (254)710-3322 to purchase tickets.
There will be a special Homecoming worship service at 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Seventh and James Baptist Church, 602 James. Dr. Sloan will deliver the message, and administrators and alumni will lead worship.
For more information about Homecoming week activities, call the Baylor Alumni Association at (254) 710-1121.