Welcome to the Family: A Week of Excitement, Service, and Memories

Last week, Dallas Baptist University welcomed the Class of 2030 for Student Welcome and Transition (SWAT) Week, a long-time tradition where students build new friendships, compete alongside their Corps, serve the surrounding community, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Stepping onto campus for Move-In Day, incoming students were welcomed by the wide smiles and helping hands of SWAT leaders, student volunteers, and staff, allowing everyone to take in each moment of this monumental day.

After settling into their rooms, the new Patriots made their way to the Pilgrim Chapel Sanctuary for the Opening Session, a time filled with worship and excitement that kicked off their new beginning on University Hill.

Before arriving on campus, students were assigned to one of four Corps groups: Concord, Lexington, Saratoga, and Yorktown. Following the Opening Session, students met with their Corps groups, connecting with those who would become their SWAT Family during their time as a Patriot.

Throughout the week, the Corps competed against one another in a series of challenges, including Battlegrounds, where students participated in Rec games on their first night of SWAT, and Patriot Follies, where Corps combined skits, songs, and dances to create original musicals similar to DBU’s annual Spring Sing Production.

On Thursday, the Class of 2030 was welcomed by DBU President Adam C. Wright, and First Lady Candice, into the President’s Home for a meet-and-greet. During this time, students enjoyed meaningful conversations and light refreshments with fellow students and members of DBU’s Women’s Auxiliary Board.

Closing out the evening, professors gathered with the new Patriots, praying over the semester ahead and the beginning of their college journey.

Traveling with their Corps groups to various service sites on Friday, students had the opportunity to serve the surrounding community. “Watching our new Patriots serve in the community reminds us of the importance of servant leadership and Christ’s call to serve those around us,” shared DBU’s Director of Student Life Wayne Briggs.

Continuing the emphasis of servant leadership back on campus, DBU’s upperclassmen had the opportunity to meet with each incoming student on the last night of SWAT week, washing their feet as Jesus did with the disciples in John 13:1–17. This act of humility and servant leadership serves as a reminder to the newest Patriots that leadership begins with serving others.

Later that evening, the groups gathered one final time in the Pilgrim Chapel Sanctuary for a Candlelighting Ceremony, a time-honored tradition that they will recreate on the night before they graduate from DBU. As the light spread throughout the sanctuary, Dr. Wright encouraged students to be a light wherever they go.

Following the candlelighting, students participated in the tradition of Running Home on the Horner Ballpark field, marking the start of their journey on University Hill.

As Yorktown was announced as the 2026 SWAT Champion, the Class of 2030 concluded SWAT Week excited to continue their journey of friendship, tradition, and discovering what it means to serve Christ through their respective callings.