For so many, Thanksgiving means food, football, and maybe the start of Christmas shopping. But before we get to all that, let’s remember why it’s called “Thanksgiving” — by giving thanks for some of the blessings we, the Baylor Family, have received over the past 12 months:
Academically, the highlight of the last 12 months remains Baylor reaching R1 status (three years ahead of schedule!). Baylor also had a record-setting 14 Fulbright honorees, its first Truman Scholar since 2007, a Goldwater Scholar for the fifth straight year — and more. And we were inspired by stories such as a prize-winning pianist from Poland and a blind Bear who found his way to Baylor thanks to the groundbreaking research and service being performed by a BU professor.
Someday, we may also look back on 2022 as the year the world began to see what Baylor has to offer. In the last 12 months, Baylor has been named among the nation’s most sought after universities, most trusted universities, best first-year experiences, and best colleges to work for.
Athletically, it was another banner year. Football won its third Big 12 title and the 2022 Sugar Bowl, earned its highest final ranking ever, and led the state of Texas with six NFL draft picks. Men’s basketball followed up on its national championship with a second straight Big 12 title and the No. 9 overall pick in this year’s NBA draft. Women’s basketball won its 12th straight Big 12 title and had the No. 2 overall pick in the WNBA draft. Acrobatics and tumbling won its seventh straight national title (!!!); volleyball made its third straight Sweet 16; and men’s tennis won its 25th Big 12 title and reached the Sweet 16 for the 20th time. Oh, and Baylor student-athletes tied the school record for Graduation Success Rate.
We celebrated high-flying alumni earning new responsibilities: the CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, president of Denny’s, CFO of Walmart, an EVP at ConocoPhillips, a brigadier general in the U.S. Army, and multiple new university presidents nationwide.
And we remain thankful for a university where faith in Christ is valued; where events like FM72 and mission trips aren’t just tolerated, but embraced; and where faith is a part of everyday campus life.
It’s been a good year, Baylor Family.
Sic ’em, Bears!