Baylor Family celebrates President Livingstone’s Inauguration

Thursday was a landmark day in Baylor history, as Dr. Linda Livingstone was officially inaugurated as the university’s 15th president. Thousands of members of the Baylor Family gathered in the Ferrell Center Thursday afternoon for the ceremony, at which President Livingstone shared her vision for the university.

“Baylor exists to demonstrate that faith is not a deterrent to scholarship,” she noted. “Rather, it is the very motivation for discovering the richness of Creation. It compels us to engage with issues spanning the intellectual and ideological spectrum, combating provincialism and prejudice by fostering productive dialogues that ultimately bring our discoveries to bear in tackling the most complex problems facing society.”

[PHOTOS/VIDEO: Inauguration Ceremony photos and complete video || Family Dinner with the Livingstones photos || Dr Pepper Hour video || Video of Livingstone’s Inaugural Message]

The ceremony — which also included a memorable introduction by Dr. Livingstone’s daughter, Shelby, and a blessing prayed by the President’s husband, Brad — was the culmination of a week’s worth of events. Students enjoyed a special Dr Pepper Hour with the President on Tuesday afternoon, and were welcomed to a dinner with the Livingstones outside Allbritton House Tuesday night. On Wednesday, an academic symposium featured Baylor experts from across the university speaking on how we can help mankind reach its fullest potential. And after the ceremony Thursday, a reception outside the Ferrell Center allowed guests to meet with President Livingstone.

[READ coverage of the Inauguration from the Waco Tribune-Herald and Baylor Lariat]

President Livingstone officially took office in June, but this week’s events provided us a chance to properly celebrate, honor and welcome our new executive — and if the multiple standing ovations Dr. Livingstone received Thursday were any indication, the Baylor Family was more than happy to take advantage of the opportunity!

Sic ’em, President Livingstone!