Announcing our Spring Commencement Speaker
April 6, 2026
"Public service is not just a way of life, it is a way to live fully." — former U.S. Congressman Lee Hamilton
Good Morning BW,
One of the great privileges of Spring Commencement is the opportunity to bring our community together — to celebrate our graduates and to reflect on the people and partnerships that help shape their journey.
I am pleased to share that Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem '96 will serve as the keynote speaker for our 176th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9.
Mayor Kleem's presence is especially meaningful. As a proud Baldwin Wallace alumnus and lifelong Berea resident who has dedicated his career to public service, he represents the powerful connection between our University and the city we call home — a partnership that has spanned more than 180 years and continues to grow stronger.
A political science graduate of BW, Mayor Kleem has dedicated his career to public service and community leadership. Now the longest-serving mayor in Berea's history, his five consecutive terms reflect both the trust of his constituents and his unwavering commitment to the city's future. His leadership has helped shape Berea into one of Ohio's most vibrant, welcoming, and safe college towns — an environment where our students can thrive.
Beyond his role as Mayor, Mayor Kleem has been a tireless advocate for others. He founded the Berea Community Development Corporation to support individuals and families in need, and the Northern Ohio Veterans Association (NOVA), which provides care and counseling to veterans and their families. Through this work, Berea has earned national recognition as a "We Honor Veterans Community" — a testament to the compassion and leadership that define his service.
His impact extends to regional planning, economic development, and community-building initiatives that have strengthened Berea's sense of place — from the energy of the Live at the Lake concert series to the welcoming spirit shown to visitors attending Browns Training Camp, Baldwin Wallace events, and the Cuyahoga County Fair.
For our graduates, Mayor Kleem's story is a powerful example of what it means to be Leader-Ready, Career-Ready, and Future-Ready. He took the foundation he built at BW and used it to serve others, strengthen his community, and lead with purpose.
Mayor Kleem was our guest at my inauguration this past October, and his remarks made a meaningful impact by reminding us of how the history of Berea and BW are intertwined.
As Peggy and I have seen since arriving in Berea, this is a community that takes pride in its past and invests in its future. We are grateful for the partnership we share with the City of Berea and look forward to continuing to build on that relationship for years to come.
Please join me in thanking Mayor Kleem and congratulating and celebrating the Class of 2026 as they prepare to take this important next step.
As our graduates step into their futures, so does BW step into our new future. We're Building Wha's Next – and Next Begins Now.
Have a great day and a great week!
Lee Fisher
President, Baldwin Wallace University