Heritage Luncheons
At Baylor University, celebration and reflection go hand in hand. Our Heritage Month Luncheons — including the Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon, and the Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month Luncheon — are signature gatherings that bring together the Baylor and Waco communities for moments of inspiration, education, and unity.
Each luncheon serves as both a celebration and a call to action.
These events welcome students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members from across Waco to share a meal while engaging a distinguished speaker whose message both affirms and challenges us. Our speakers include thought leaders, educators, faith leaders, activists, and professionals who speak to the history, contributions, resilience, and ongoing impact of the communities we honor.
What makes these luncheons special is their atmosphere. They are celebratory yet reflective. They are formal yet welcoming. They create space for both joy and honest dialogue. Guests leave not only informed, but inspired — equipped with renewed perspective and a deeper sense of shared responsibility.
The Heritage Month Luncheons demonstrate Baylor’s commitment to honoring diverse histories while cultivating principled leaders for a global society. These events reflect a campus culture that values education beyond the classroom and community beyond convenience.
More than annual traditions, our Heritage Month Luncheons are meaningful milestones in the life of our university — moments where we gather, listen, learn, and recommit ourselves to building a community rooted in dignity, understanding, and collective impact.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Luncheon
This gathering celebrates the rich cultures, histories, and global influence of Hispanic and Latino communities. Through powerful storytelling and reflection, attendees are invited to consider the legacy of leadership, innovation, and advocacy that continues to shape our society.
2025 - Dr. Mito Diaz Espinoza
2024 - Rita Bautista
2023 - Andrea Kosar
2022 - Dr. Jorge Burmicky
2021 - Canceled
2020 - Canceled
2019 - Saul Flores
2018 - Suzette Quintanilla Ariaga
2017 - Dr. Victor Saenz
2016 - Rick Najera
2015 - Dr. Taryn Ozuna Allen
2014 - Macarena Hernandez
2013 - Rev. Ramiro Pena
2012 - Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch
Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration Luncheon
The Asian Heritage Luncheon highlights the diversity within Asian and Asian American communities while uplifting narratives of perseverance, cultural pride, and community impact. The event encourages deeper understanding and appreciation of the many traditions and lived experiences represented within the Asian diaspora.
2025 - Caren Lock
2024 - Linda Yoon
2023 - Changed to Spring semester
2022 - Dr. Michelle Reyes
2021 - Canceled
2020 - Canceled
2019 - Phucc Luu
2018 - Kathy Khang
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon
Held in honor of the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the MLK Luncheon centers on justice, service, and courageous leadership. This annual event challenges our campus to reflect on Dr. King’s vision and to consider how we each play a role in building a more equitable and compassionate society.
2026 - Councilman Andrea Barefield
2025 - Omari Head
2024 - Pearl Beverly
2023 - Dr. Bennie Lambert
2022 - Cassandra Burkey and David Pollard
2021 - Anthony Evans (Virtual)
2020 - Lori Fogleman/Kesha Lopez/David Pollard
2019 - Dr. Al Marcus Nelson
2018 - Dr. Ryan Sutton
2017 - Dr. Lester C. Newman
2016 - Mr. Kelvin Beachum
2015 - Mr. Tyrone Smith
2014 - Ms. Barbara Walker
2013 - Ms. Naomi Tutu
2012 - Mr. Tyrone Smith
2011 - Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert
2010 - Dr. Tony Evans
2009 - Dr. Claudette Copeland
2008 - Dr. Frank Thomas
2007 - Dr. Tony Evans
If you would like to be informed of future luncheons, please email Katelynn Dudik.