BW's Fingerprints

October 5, 2026

"Our fingerprints do not fade from the lives we touch."
— Judy Blume

Good morning BW,

Every week I receive messages from students, staff, faculty, and alumni about their experience at BW. As I read their stories, I’m reminded of the fingerprints BW leaves on so many thousands of lives.

This morning, I want to share excerpts from just a few of those messages, and I’ll share more over the coming months.

"I reflect back to a message you sent in the spring semester about 'Be Who You Are.' It's a great reminder of the BW experience and the values instilled in us. To this day, I still remember the BW Football motto that then Head Coach John Snell had us memorize, 'The Yellow Jacket Football Family is committed to developing the values of integrity, accountability, effort and attitude, family, organization and leadership; and to become champions in life and football.' That’s the BW Way and legacy that lives on… it's a special place and is forever family."
— Kevin Soflkiancs '09

"BW is a place that has turned into a home away from home, a place that has transformed me into a better person. Whether it was making some of my best friends in life, creating unforgettable memories on the athletic field, or preparing for my future in the classroom, BW gave me connections and skills, both fundamental and personal, that I will carry with me throughout my life and career. To me, BW is more than a school — it's a community, a home, a family."
— Dennis Ritlinger-Nirider '26

"The message that you brought us today was true in the 4 years I spent at BW from 1967 thru 1971. The liberal arts education, the smaller student body and the dedication of the staff and the professors was what I was looking for. Actions spoke loud and clear to the students because it was about the people of BW helping the next generation of community leaders become the people they were created to be. That tradition has long been the unspoken mission of BW, which is why it has endured as an inspired place to challenge young people to think beyond the limiting vision of the expected."
— Jan Kimball '71

"I wanted to take a moment to reflect and draw your attention to some of the faculty and staff who have had the greatest impact on me during my time at BW and who truly embody the sense of community the university promotes.

• Claudine Grunenwald Kirschner
  Claudine brings happiness, energy, and positivity to everyone she meets. She is a selfless leader and a true inspiration.
• Dr. Léna Crain
  Her insights on conflict resolution helped me grow both personally and professionally. On a personal level, she has always been kind, empathetic, and someone I deeply look up to. She is a role model at BW and has had a profound influence on many students, including myself.
• Dr. Xudong Chen
  Dr. Chen has been my academic advisor for all four years. From the moment I walked into his office as a freshman and shared my goal of attending law school, he has consistently supported me and challenged me to grow.
• Professor Lora Harley
  Professor Harley taught my very first accounting class, and it is fitting that she also taught my last. She encouraged me to pursue accounting as a major when I initially enrolled just to fulfill a business core requirement. She is the reason I fell in love with accounting.
• Professor Peter Kwiatkowski
  I have had the honor of taking three classes with Professor K throughout my time at BW, each one strengthening my passion for law. His support for my goal of attending law school as a first-generation attorney has been meaningful.

I share these reflections because it helps highlight the lasting legacy they leave, not only at BW, but in the lives and hearts of their students. I am incredibly grateful to have chosen BW."
— Emily Lesko '26

Kevin, Dennis, Jan, and Emily remind me that the strength of the BW network isn't simply how many people are members of the BW family. It’s how strongly we are connected to BW and to one another, and how BW has changed lives.

That feels especially meaningful as we prepare to celebrate BW Bold & Gold Homecoming October 9-10. I hope to see many of you back on campus this week.

BW is much more than a diploma. We are your university for life.

Lee Fisher
President, Baldwin Wallace University