Baylor Traditions: A Legacy of Connection and Heart
Baylor University isn’t just a place to earn a degree — it’s a place where traditions create lifelong bonds between students, alumni and the entire Baylor Family. From the excitement of gameday to the hallowed reverence of honoring the past, Baylor’s traditions are deeply rooted in history and in finding connection with fellow Bears throughout the ways of time.
The Baylor Bear Habitat: A Symbol of Strength and Spirit
Since 1917, live bears have represented Baylor’s strength and pride. Today, Indy and Belle, the University’s live American black bears, reside in the Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat, an AZA-accredited and USDA-licensed zoological facility where students and visitors can see Baylor’s beloved mascots up close. The Baylor Bear Habitat fosters school spirit while carrying the program’s pillars of stewardship, education and conservation, ensuring that Baylor’s live mascot tradition remains rooted in care and learning.
The Immortal Ten: A Legacy of Remembrance
Each year, the Baylor Family honors the Immortal Ten, a group of basketball student-athletes, coaches and a team supporter who tragically lost their lives in a bus-train accident in 1927. Their legacy lives on through the solemn remembrance at the annual Freshman Mass Meeting during Homecoming, where first-year students learn about the impact of their loss. The men’s basketball program also holds an annual Immortal Ten game where Baylor’s current student-athletes wear jerseys with the names of the Immortal Ten on their backs, as a banner hangs in the rafters of Foster Pavilion to enshrine their legacy and remind us that we are deeply connected to the shared experience of our history.
School Songs & Sic ’Ems: Sharing your Spirit
Baylor’s school song, “That Good Old Baylor Line,” unites generations of Bears. Sung at sporting events, commencements and Baylor Family gatherings, it’s a declaration of loyalty and love for the University. The song ends with a “Sic ’Em, Bears,” a greeting Baylor fans also share in passing, whether that’s in the aisles of the grocery stores in Waco or when they spot a fellow fan of the Green and Gold in faraway airports or cities. These shared words and lyrics create a sense of unity, whether you’re cheering from McLane Stadium or across the world.
Diadeloso: A Day for Community and Fun
Known as the “Day of the Bear,” Diadeloso began in 1932 as a way to relieve academic stress and foster camaraderie across the campus community. Today, this cherished springtime tradition brings the campus together for a day of fun, featuring live music, food, games and activities. Whether playing a game of sand volleyball or enjoying a petting zoo on Fountain Mall, students, staff and faculty cherish Diadeloso as a celebration of the Baylor spirit.
Dr Pepper Hour: The Best Hour of the Week
Since the 1950s, students have gathered every Tuesday at the Bill Daniel Student Center for Dr Pepper Hour, a time-honored tradition of free Dr Pepper floats and fellowship. This simple yet meaningful weekly event offers students a chance to slow down, connect with friends and faculty who enjoy the break in the day as everyone savors one of the sweetest Baylor traditions.
Baylor Line Camp: Welcoming New Bears with Open Arms
Line Camp isn’t just an orientation — it’s a full and unequivocal welcome into the Baylor Family. Incoming students participate in activities that strengthen their connection to the school, including a pilgrimage to Independence, Texas, the birthplace of Baylor University. Through shared experiences, rich storytelling and deep-rooted traditions, Line Camp ensures that every new Bear feels at home before the first day of class.
The Baylor Line: One of the Greatest Traditions in College Football
There’s nothing quite like the rush of the Baylor Line. Clad in their signature gold jerseys, first-year students sprint onto the field before each home football game, welcoming the team with pride and creating an iconic experience at McLane Stadium for opposing teams and first-time spectators. More than just an iconic game-day experience, the Baylor Line represents unity, excitement and the beginning of a lifelong connection to other Baylor Bears across the generations.
Each of these traditions is more than just a ritual — they are woven into the fabric of Baylor’s identity. They create memories, foster friendships and reinforce the strong sense of community that sets Baylor apart. Whether you’re a prospective student eager to join the Baylor Family or an alumnus reflecting on your time at Baylor, these traditions remind us all that Baylor is more than a university — it’s home.