This year’s #BaylorHomecoming promises to offer something for everyone, from first-year students to alumni who graduated from Baylor 50-plus years ago. The week-long schedule of activities again kicks off with a worship service presented by Vertical ministries on Monday night, and then the First Gent and I will host thousands of students at the Allbritton House, where we live, on Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a fun-filled and free “Dinner with the Livingstones.” We will line up the local food trucks – some owned by Baylor grads – and together enjoy an evening of fall fellowship with “family photos” on the front porch.

On Monday, November 9, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., the Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society proudly presents its Fall Panel, “Secrets, Surprises, and Stories: Unveiling the Unexpected in the Keston Archives and Beyond,” in the Treasure Room at the Armstrong Browning Library and via Zoom Webinar. Panelists include History lecturer Liana Kirillova, Ph.D., doctoral student Linda Moldovan, and visiting Fulbright scholar Željko Oset. The panel will be moderated by associate professor and chair of the Department of History, Julie deGraffenried. A reception with refreshments will follow in the Garden of Contentment. This event is free and open to the public.

This Saturday the entire Baylor campus will host more than 5,500 prospective students and families during Fall Premiere, likely surpassing our total from last fall as one of the largest turnouts to date. This is an incredibly important day for guests to explore our award-winning campus, understand our Christian mission, learn about our nationally ranked undergraduate student experience and interact with our outstanding Baylor faculty.

The Revivalry is back on our home turf this weekend! When Baylor Football takes on TCU at 6 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium, it will be the 122nd edition of the most-played rivalry game in the state of Texas. Our Bears are riding a four-game winning streak, and there will be lots to do and experience for fans of all ages. Let’s Blackout the Brazos and enjoy some fall football weather!

Tomorrow is Baylor’s Fall Break, and it is always a much-needed pause in the semester for students as the focus turns to midterms, which are right around the corner. Students, I pray you get the rest you need for your mind, body and spirit over the next few days.

October is Christian Higher Education Month, and as a Research 1 university with nearly 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Baylor is distinct among our faith-based peers. However, like so many other institutions, our mission is built on preparing men and women to lead and serve.

This weekend is one of the reasons Baylor continues to be recognized as having one of the best first-year student experiences in the country. U.S. News & World Report released its 2027 rankings on Tuesday, and Baylor remains firmly in the Top 10 in this category. U.S. News voters are university presidents, provosts and admissions deans, and it is so gratifying to see that those leaders understand there is something special at Baylor when it comes to delivering on the promise of the quintessential student experience. You can read more about our rankings below, but in the meantime, here are a few reminders for this weekend.

A tradition at Baylor since 1960, Family Weekend strives to help families of Baylor students become better acquainted with the University and its beloved traditions. Baylor students, faculty and staff have been preparing for months for After Dark – our premier display of student talent – Meet the Faculty, Taste of Waco and the Family Weekend Tailgate.