A year ago this time, Baylor was celebrating the opening of the brand-new Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. Since then, the Hurd has become exactly what university leaders hoped it would become: the new “front door to campus,” and an important part of campus life for both current and prospective students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
A quick look back at the Hurd’s first 12 months:
After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Hurd held its first official event last September: Howdy at the Hurd, a new twist on Baylor’s annual Texas welcome for new students.
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It quickly became the starting point for campus visits, the headquarters for in-person Premiere events (welcoming prospective students and their families), and the first stop for visitors during Family Weekend and Homecoming.
Your first stop at #BaylorHomecoming?
That’s easy: the new Hurd Welcome Center — here with info, photo ops, & more. pic.twitter.com/FAD9OE5n2o
— Baylor University (@Baylor) October 27, 2023
The Hurd has joined Pat Neff in being lit up for special occasions (like 9/11 remembrances), and is now an official McLennan County voting location.
“The right to vote is the basic right without which all others are meaningless.” — LBJ
President Livingstone & the First Gent got #ElectionDay started by casting the first ballot at the Hurd! pic.twitter.com/ygX04o8rXY
— Baylor University (@Baylor) November 7, 2023
The Hurd ballroom has hosted notable guest speakers (such as Doris Kearns Goodwin), important faculty and staff meetings (like the fall events that unveiled the university’s new strategic plan, Baylor in Deeds), and alumni events such as Huddle at the Hurd (on Friday nights before select home football games).
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Graduating seniors were honored at the Hurd during Senior Celebration last May, and then in the summer, it served as a travel stop for visitors traversing I-35!
As you head home down I-35 this weekend, take a break and stop by the Hurd Welcome Center!
Stretch your legs (in A/C!)
Grab coffee, soda & sweet treats
Clean restrooms
Free Baylor travel pack for kids!Details: https://t.co/OQovFX60hd pic.twitter.com/MwuxqboXdn
— Baylor University (@Baylor) July 5, 2024
Stretch your legs (in A/C!)
Grab coffee, soda & sweet treatsIf you still haven’t seen it for yourself, make plans to stop by during Homecoming, or just the next time you’re visiting Waco or driving down I-35.
Sic ’em, Hurd Welcome Center!