DBU REPORT 4 DBU eagerly opened its gates to a new class of Patriots for the 2021 Student Welcome and Transition, more commonly known on campus as SWAT. This Fall, DBU welcomed our largest-ever incoming first-year and transfer class with 844 students. More than 700 of these new Patriots attended SWAT, accompanied by some 100 upperclassman leaders. University Hill was once again alive with excitement, as both new and returning students dove into SWAT 2021. “SWAT is definitely one of my favorite campus traditions!” says Wayne Briggs, who serves as the Director of Student Life at DBU. “One of the best parts of my job is getting to see our students get plugged in and invested in the University.” DBU clings tightly to a number of cherished SWAT traditions. The foot-washing ceremony and Candlelighting service bring small group leaders and classmates closer together through times of worship and prayer. Events like Patriot Follies, where each group collaborates on a performance to showcase their team, and Scoop and Scoot, the ice cream social held on the new intramural field, allow first-year students to bond with one another in fellowship and fun. During the President’s Reception, DBU President Dr. Adam Wright and his wife, Candice, open up the President’s Home on campus to new students and greet all in attendance. On Friday, August 20, small groups dispersed throughout the DFW area for various service projects. Students were given the opportunity to serve in a number of ways, including pantry reorganization, meal package preparation for children, restocking shelves, community outreach, and more through DBU’s community partners. DBU proudly partners with Mission Arlington, Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, Cornerstone Baptist Church, and many others. SWAT concluded with a final closing session followed by the SWAT Block Party near the Brownstone apartments. After a summer spent serving, vacationing, and learning all across the globe, there is no joy that compares to being reunited as the DBU Family once again. On the Monday following SWAT, returning and new Patriots alike came together to kick off the new semester with the first allcampus Chapel service since March of 2020. Dr. Wright introduced DBU’s theme verse for the new academic year, John 15:5, and encouraged and challenged the DBU Family in saying “We will not be able to be the solution this world needs apart from Christ.” What a beautiful reminder it is that we are not called to walk through this life alone, evidenced by the love so freely given by our truest friend, our most faithful companion, Jesus Christ. Welcome Week gave opportunities for students to get plugged in both on and off campus. With the annual THE HILL REUNITES ONCE AGAIN SWAT & Welcome Week 2021
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