Baylor Homecoming-New Experience for Freshman

Building Blocks of the Bonfire

As a fellow freshman, Homecoming at Baylor was an eye opening and fun experience. There are many components when surveying Baylor's strategic and traditional homecoming experiences, and one of the biggest events of the Homecoming festivities, for the freshman, is the building of the Homecoming Bonfire.

Freshman Class Building the 2010 Bonfire

On the Thursday night of Homecoming Week, a Freshman Mass Meeting is held (the very last time all the freshman will be together in one spot until graduation!), where the story of the Immortal Ten is recounted. In this time of remembrance and solitude, each freshman learns a very special and emotional story associated with the past of their school. This is also the time in which the freshman torch bearer is chosen, a significant event where he/or she is rewarded one of the immortal ten jerseys and becomes the designated leader of the freshman class.

After the tribute ceremony and selection of the torch bearer, all the freshman head out on a lit path past the immortal ten statue, memorial candles in hand, toward fountain mall.

The Completed Project

Once at fountain mall, the freshman then join together in the building of the annual homecoming bonfire. Working with one another, the students stack large crates on top of one anther creating a platform for the bonfire to take place. The symbolism of team work is irrefutable among the freshman, bonding together and representing years of tradition.

Crowd Cheers at Homecoming Bonfire

And of course, Homecoming is most definitely in full swing the following night, when the torch bearers set the wooden pillar aflame, entertaining a crowd full of alumnis, students, and future Baylor students alike.