Discover the Top 9 Fun Facts About Baylor University: Intriguing Insights You Can't Miss!

1. Bear-y Special Secret

Who knew Baylor University had a bear-y special secret?: Housing American black bears since 1917, the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat, found smack dab in the middle of campus, is not only an accredited facility by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) – making Baylor the first of its kind! – but also receives regulatory oversight and licensing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, giving these live mascots the ultimate in creature comforts.
Source => bearhabitat.web.baylor.edu

2. Livestock Tuition Tales

They say birds of a feather flock together, but did you know that at Baylor University, livestock once had their fair share of educational pursuits too? In a moo-ving show of dedication: Former President Pat Neff accepted livestock as tuition payment, supported women's suffrage, and even dipped into his own pockets to cover students' bills, making his tenure from 1932 to 1947 truly un-baaaa-lievable!
Source => blogs.baylor.edu

Did you know that 1.5 million bats call Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge their home, creating the world's largest urban bat colony? Witness their nightly insect feast and join the delighted locals and tourists! 🦇

=> Fun Facts about Texas

3. Bach Meets Baylor's Mighty Organ

If Bach were present today, he'd aspire to be a Baylor Bear, especially after laying hands on their mighty McLane Organ: a majestic, 4-manual, 92-rank musical beast that not only dominates the stage but also accompanies orchestra performances, helps teach advanced organ majors, and supports the harmonious melodies of Baylor's own choirs – all while dressed in a splendid mahogany suit with gold-leafed free-form metal frocks.
Source => baylor.edu

4. Mammothville Mischief

Who needs Jurassic Park when you've got Mammothville on your doorstep? Hold on to your paleontology hats, folks: Baylor University is a mere 5 miles away from the Waco Mammoth National Monument, where the fossilized remains of 22 Columbian mammoths and other prehistoric creatures have been discovered. The site's big break came in 1978 when two unsuspecting wanderers stumbled upon a mammoth-sized bone and took it to Baylor's Strecker Museum, leading to years of excavation, research, and all the prehistoric partying your heart can handle.
Source => waco-texas.com

5. Bayloropoly Board Game Bonanza

Forget Park Place and Boardwalk, it's time to trade up to the Bear necessities: Baylor University has a custom version of Monopoly called Bayloropoly, featuring university-specific properties, tokens, and instructions sure to delight any green-and-gold enthusiast.
Source => worthpoint.com

6. Browning Literary Lovers' Refuge

When Victorian poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning sought new digs for their colossal collection, they chose the finest literary spread in all of Wacotopia: Baylor University's Armstrong Browning Library & Museum now boasts the world's largest stash of Browning-related materials, including rare 19th-century books, manuscripts, and art.
Source => baylor.edu

7. Phoenix Magazine Takes Flight

In a world where "bird is the word," Baylor University lets its students spread their literary wings and soar through the pages of The Phoenix Literary Magazine: Over 50 years in print, this esteemed publication features undergraduate creativity in poetry, fiction prose, creative nonfiction, and art and photography, with an editorial board of fellow students selecting the crème de la crème in each category.
Source => english.artsandsciences.baylor.edu

8. Diadeloso: Day of the Bear's Origin

In a delightful twist of irony that would make even Shakespeare chuckle, the students of Baylor University have spent nearly a century figuring out what to call their annual day off: Diadeloso, which translates to "Day of the Bear,"is the result of pas des noms such as All University Day, Physical Fitness Day, and May Day making their exit, pursued by a bear. The serious reveal: Diadeloso, chosen by the students in 1966, is a yearly tradition dating back to 1932 and features a wide array of fun activities and events to celebrate the Baylor community, giving students a much-needed break from classes while showcasing their mascot.
Source => diadeloso.web.baylor.edu

9. Cinderella Slam Dunk Story

Once dubbed the Cinderella story that swapped glass slippers for squeaky sneakers, Baylor University's men's basketball team made history on the court with a fairy tale ending no one saw coming: In 2021, the team snagged their first-ever national championship title, achieving a 21-1 regular season record, triumphing over seven ranked teams, and ultimately toppling the undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs with an impressive 86-70 victory. Bow down, fairy godmother: the Baylor Bears are the true princes of the basketball realm!
Source => en.wikipedia.org