Gilbert-Walker statues
The Gilbert and Walker statues honor the University’s first Black graduates, the late Rev. Robert L. Gilbert, B.A. ’67, and Barbara A. Walker, B.A. ’67. Created by renowned sculptor Benjamin Victor, the more than 7-foot-tall bronze statues were installed on each side of the walkway leading into Tidwell, where – as students – Gilbert and Walker took their academic major classes in history and sociology, respectively. On June 2, 1967, the pair became the first Black students to earn undergraduate degrees from Baylor, receiving their diplomas in alphabetical order during the same commencement ceremony. They both left Baylor and went on to live as servant leaders in their communities.