Back to the Motherland

We decided to make our first stop in Independence, Texas, which has nothing to do with the war that brought Texas its independence. Rather, it is the birthplace of the only university in the state chartered by the Republic of Texas - Baylor University. It's no secret than I am as big a Baylor fan as you can find, and that the name and logo of the company I founded is based on Baylor's roots in Independence. What may surprise you is that I had never actually been to the columns at old Baylor. I'm ashamed to admit it's true.

On Saturday, we made the pilgrimage to Academy Hill on the west side of Independence to see the stately columns of the original administration building that now serve only as a historic landmark. We read the plaques and informational signs and marveled at what life must have been like there over 175 years ago. We wandered the grounds of the old male college department as well. We learned that Sam Houston sent his children to Baylor, that Judge REB Baylor was originally buried there and saw the names of the original board of trustees.

My beautiful wife, Christine, is also a Baylor grad and our kids are all fans. It was a truly special time to see the excitement they all had seeing where Baylor started and learning about the circumstances and details of Baylor's birth. For me, it was somewhat of a spiritual experience that made me even more thankful for the perseverance and tireless work those men and women put into creating my alma mater, and the inspiration for my company identity. They were working for a greater purpose than just themselves, and that's what I strive for us to do at Four Columns.

Thanks for indulging me on this post. Something that meant a great deal to me will hopefully inspire someone to reach for their dream, and greater purpose.