Presidential Perspective - March 7, 2019
Baylor Students, Faculty and Staff:
One of the Livingstones’ favorite eateries in Waco is cozy Lula Jane’s, owned and operated by Baylor alum Nancy Grayson. Now for some big news – her tasty offerings have caught the attention of Yelp, with Lula Jane’s landing at No. 71 on the recently released list of the “Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. 2019.” Nancy’s baked goods, coffee and lunch specials are made from scratch — many of them using herbs and vegetables from her on-site garden. And she has been such an ambassador for downtown and the greater Waco community. We’re glad to see Nancy get the high marks she deserves nationally as well as locally!
- This past Friday, Baylor joined the business community, non-profit leaders and the Greater Waco Chamber in officially launching a community-wide entrepreneurship initiative called Start Up Waco. With Baylor’s nationally ranked entrepreneurship program and aspirations to advance research under Illuminate, Start Up Waco will play a key role in preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs through education, training, mentorship and access to capital. We celebrate this opportunity to further strengthen our ties to the Waco community, to support innovation and entrepreneurship, and to build a vibrant downtown district where students, faculty and staff can live, work and play.
- Internationally recognized violinist Patricia Shih will join the string faculty in Baylor’s School of Music as associate professor of violin on Sept. 1. The Canadian native – who made her public debut performing the Bach Violin Concerto at age 4 – has performed as a soloist in many of the world’s greatest venues, from Carnegie Hall in New York to Wigmore Hall in London to Liszt Academy Hall in Budapest. She has won numerous national and international awards and prizes, including three consecutive highest honors at the Canadian Music Competition.
- As we begin the Lenten season, students and faculty of our George W. Truett Theological Seminary have written a series of devotionals to walk us through the journey with Jesus to the cross. The season of Lent engages our hearts and minds so that we are truly ready to celebrate Easter. The daily devotionals began yesterday – Ash Wednesday – and will continue to Holy Saturday.
- Baylor, in conjunction with the Baylor Line Foundation, yesterday announced the slate of alumni-elected Regent candidates for the upcoming spring election. The candidates are Susan (Suzii) Youngblood Paynter, B.A. (English) ’72, of Austin; David M. Slover, B.A. (History) ’86, M.B.A. ’89, of Dallas; and Lindsey Davis Stover, B.A. (Speech Communication/Political Science) ’99, M.P.P. (Public Policy & Administration) ’02, of McLean, Va. More information about the candidates and the election process will be provided to alumni via Baylor media channels in the upcoming weeks. The candidate receiving the most votes will serve a three-year term on the Board of Regents.
- Baylor has been recognized as “Rec of the Month” by Campus Recreation magazine. Our department of campus recreation engages students, faculty and staff in experiential learning and recreational and leisure activities that equip individuals to live balanced, holistic and healthy lifestyles, based on a foundation of Christian faith, excellence and integrity in an active setting. Congrats, Campus Recreation!
As our students look to Spring Break next week, I hope that you will have a safe and relaxing time away from campus. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. And don’t forget to watch a little basketball – March Madness is here!
Sincerely,
Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President