San Antonio Standard

Baylor College issued the following announcement.

This year has certainly been hard. But even amidst everything that is “2020,” we are reminded to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) — so, by His grace, we choose to be thankful.

Here are just a few things we can chart as positive notes this year:

* New additions to the Baylor Family — Despite the pandemic, Baylor welcomed the largest freshman class in its 175-year history this fall. The Class of 2024 was also the most diverse class in BU history. As President Livingstone noted, “Even in the face of many unknowns, the tremendous interest in a Baylor University education from prospective students and their families as well as from our continuing students never wavered.”

* The incredible Baylor experience — We’ve long known how special a Baylor education is; now, others are starting to see it, too. This fall, U.S. News ranked Baylor No. 19 nationally out of 400+ national universities when it comes to students’ first-year experiences. The Wall Street Journal was even more impressed, ranking Baylor No. 5 nationally for student engagement. And yet again in 2020, Baylor was named among the top 2% of colleges and universities nationwide when it comes to high quality core-curriculum.

* Continued traditions — Even amidst a pandemic, Baylor administrators and staff worked hard this year to keep beloved traditions going in ways that were safe for everyone. These included:

• Diadeloso 2020: Social Distancing Edition
• Baylor Line Camp: Home Edition
• Dr Pepper Hour (now in grab-and-go form)
• A Homecoming like never before

* A caring #BaylorFamily — It’s no secret the Baylor Family has strong ties, but this year demonstrated just how caring our community can be:

• One Baylor alum received a kidney from a former classmate, bonding the two as brothers for life.
• When two Baylor professors lost their 18-month-old son, their peers commemorated his life with a musical tribute.
• When some students struggled with remote learning, Baylor staff/faculty stepped up to offer support and care.

* Our Christian faith — Last (but definitely not least), we shouldn’t take for granted how amazing it is to be part of a university that recognizes that all truth is God’s truth, and isn’t afraid to put that truth to the test. To be part of a family where a relationship with Jesus is not just accepted, but encouraged. To live, learn and work at a place where the integration of Christian faith and the intellectual life is actively encouraged. Lord, we give You thanks for this place.

Though this isn’t a complete list, it is clear we have much to be grateful for as Baylor Bears. Together — near and flung afar — let us remember be thankful through this season.

Original source can be found here.