Inauguration of President Lee Fisher

Watch Inauguration Ceremony

Looking to BW's Future

Baldwin Wallace ushered in a new era on October 9 with the formal inauguration of President Lee Fisher, a pivotal moment as BW writes the next chapter of its 180-year story. Read about President Fisher's vision for BW from his inauguration speech and the guest speakers and attendees at the event.

Thursday, October 9, 2025 ~ 11 AM - 1 PM

Ursprung Gymnasium in the Lou Higgins Recreation Center, 136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea. View map.

Join us as we celebrate the inauguration of Lee Fisher as the tenth president of Baldwin Wallace University.

This momentous occasion marks a significant chapter in BW's history. We look forward to welcoming alumni, friends, faculty, staff, members of the BW Board of Trustees, and our vibrant student body as we honor the University's proud legacy and embrace its promising future.

The inauguration ceremony is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required for the ceremony.

Meet President Lee Fisher

President Lee Fisher brings to Baldwin Wallace University a distinguished and multifaceted background, shaped by leadership roles across the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors.

Read more about President Fisher.

Ceremony Highlights

The presidential inauguration is steeped in academic tradition and includes prominent guests and delegates from colleges across Ohio. The event features traditional regalia, the presentation of the "chain of office" — a decorative necklace inscribed with the names of all past BW presidents — and a formal investiture oath administered by the chair of the BW Board of Trustees. Special speakers and music from BW’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, including an original fanfare composed for the occasion, will add to the celebration.

Arrival, Parking and Entry

Please leave backpacks and large bags behind

The following items are not permitted at the event: large bags, backpacks, or luggage, umbrellas of any size, glass containers, air horns, or noise-making devices. Applies to all attending the event.

For Reception Attendees, Procession and Speakers

Arrive by 9:30 a.m. at the Lou Higgins Recreation Center located at 136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea.

Parking is reserved in the Lou Higgins lot (enter from Beech St.) and Tressel St. lot (enter from Tressel St.). ADA parking is available. If parking elsewhere on campus, a shuttle service will run between the Durst Welcome Center and the Center for Innovation and Growth to the Lou Higgins Recreation Center (and pick-up guests and drop-off in between as needed). The shuttle will run continuously 9-10:45 a.m. and again 1:30-2:30 p.m. See map for locations. 

Entrance for reception attendees and participants is through the west entrance of the Lou Higgins Recreation Center.

Regalia: If you are part of the ceremony procession — speakers, BW trustees, presidents or delegates from other institutions, or BW faculty — please bring your regalia. A staffed and secure "Regalia Coat Check" will be available for you to store your regalia until lineup time. This area will remain staffed throughout the event and may also be used to store personal items during the ceremony.

For Guests Attending the Inauguration Ceremony

Arrive by 10:30 at the Lou Higgins Recreation Center located at 136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea.

Parking is available on campus in regularly designated lots for students and staff with the exception of the Lou Higgins lot and Tressel St. lot.

Entrance for students, staff and other guests attending the ceremony is through the north entrance of the Lou Higgins Recreation Center (facing Bagley Rd.).

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking spaces are available in the Lou Higgins lot and Tressel St. lot for anyone needing this accommodation.

Presidential Search Committee

Baldwin Wallace University offers special gratitude to the Presidential Search Committee who made this day possible.

Presidential Legacy at Baldwin Wallace

President Fisher is BW's 10th president since the 1913 merger of Baldwin University and German Wallace College. BW traces its full presidential lineage back to the Baldwin Institute, founded in 1845 and chartered as Baldwin University in 1856. Before the merger, Baldwin University had ten presidents and German Wallace College had four. Since becoming Baldwin-Wallace College (later Baldwin Wallace University), ten presidents have led the institution.

Past Presidents

Baldwin University

1856-1870: John Wheeler
1870-1875: Godman William
1875-1885: Aaron Schuyler
1886-1894: Joseph E. Stubbs
1894-1899: Millard F. Warner
1899-1902: Robert M. Freshwater
1902-1905: Glezan A. Reeder
1905-1907: George B. Rogers
1909-1911: Robert L. Waggoner
1911-1913: Glezan A. Reeder

German Wallace College

1864-1893: William Nast
1894-1908: Karl Reimenschneider
1908-1910: Edwin Havinghurst
1910-1913: Arthur L. Breslich

Baldwin-Wallace College

1913-1918: Arthur Louis Breslich
1918-1933: Albert Boynton Storms
1934-1948: Louis C. Wright
1949-1954: John Lowden Knight
1955-1981: Alfred Bryan Bonds
1981-1999: Neal Malicky
1999-2006: Mark H. Collier
2006-2012: Richard Durst

Baldwin Wallace University

2012-2024: Robert C. Helmer
2025-Present: Lee Fisher