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2018 News Stories

Spring 2018

Welcome Class of 2022

Fun and excitement were plentiful at this year's Week of Welcome, which brought 685 first-year students to campus.

MBA grad behind startup developing new blood testing device

John Zak, MBA '05, is the founder and CEO of XaTek Inc., a startup developing a new device to improve treatment for those who take blood...

Student interns for national alternative break organization

Peyton Flasco '19 is helping to run alternative break trainings across the nation as a summer intern for Break Away.

Top honors for future HR leaders

The BW student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) took home national top honors for the second year in a row.

BW professor authors book on Japanese politics and government

Dr. Franklin Lebo demystifies how the Japanese system of government really works.

Grad finds success as freelance writer

Ashely Hawley '16 began her successful career as a freelance writer and editor just months after graduating from BW.

Campus fitness program receives national recognition in first year

BW's Exercise is Medicine on Campus program has been awarded bronze-level status after a successful first year.

Summer Scholar project is music to her ears

Daixuan Ai uses family photos as inspiration for an orchestra piece she's composing that melds Chinese mysticism with an emotional personal...

Health care MBA grad is chief at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Dr. Jorge Guzman, MBA '16, is serving at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi as the chief of staff and chief of critical care.

Alumna named national assistant principal of the year

Helping to transform the lives of South Carolina students earned Erica Page '07 national assistant principal of the year recognition.

Finance firm's youngest-ever VP honored by Crain's Cleveland

Brooke Hradisky '14 is the newest vice president of Carleton McKenna & Company and a Crain's Cleveland Business 20 in Their 20s honoree.

Deep-dive research yields big benefits

Through Summer Scholars, students spend 10 weeks working alongside faculty mentors on a research or creative project of their choice.

Professor's new book takes pride in Cleveland's LGBTQ history

In words and pictures, Dr. Ken Schneck traces 50 years of history as the LGBTQ community rises in "The Land."

BW grad promotes Broadway and more in NYC

Logan Foster '17 is already living the dream as a social media coordinator whose clients include two Tony Award-winning Broadway shows.

Veteran grad wins prestigious scholarship and public policy fellowship

Cuyahoga County Public Policy Fellow Michael Brown '18 is working to divert people with mental illness to treatment instead of incarceration.

Humanities grad publishes book on contemporary black women artists

Dr. Kristen Lillvis '04 explores the art of powerful women of color from Janelle Monáe to Toni Morrison.

BW real-world experience paved way to grad's 17-year career with MLB Indians

Through winning and losing seasons, Penny Forster '01 has relied on the strong BW alumni network in her pro sports career.

English grad excels both academically and creatively

Nic Campeotto '15 is utilizing and expanding upon her BW English degree to follow her passions for education and creative writing.

BW grad reimagines mulch with innovative product

Michael Dougherty '99 is helping people "mulch smarter, not harder" through his entrepreneurial venture, SmartMulch.

Grad rocks Cleveland with music festival celebrating women

Both on and off the stage, Alison Tomin '10 is helping to bring the second annual "Women Rock CLE" music festival to life at The...

Student radio personalities for The Sting claim national awards

WBWC student board members claimed trophies at the national Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards.

MBA graduate runs global zoo consultancy

Alan Sironen '86 says his BW MBA, with a focus on international business, has elevated his work with wildlife.

BW biology alumna celebrates lifelong passion with growing diving museum

Retired physician Dr. Sally Bauer '66 and her late husband founded a diving museum in the Florida Keys.

Professor and student receive statewide community service awards

The awards recognize Dr. Lisa Green's efforts to promote service-learning and Wyndi Moore's quest to address food insecurity.

BW health care MBA grad elevated to president and CEO role

Kendra Urdzik, MBA '08, relies on 20 years of health care management experience and a BW MBA to lead a NE Ohio elder care organization.

BW Conservatory graduate shreds opponents in guitar concerto competition

Classical guitar performance grad Patrick Peralta '17 earned a solo performance with the Eastman School's renowned orchestra.

BW Trio program celebrates 50 years

One of the oldest programs in the nation, BW's TRIO Upward Bound is celebrating 50 years of helping low-income, first-generation students...

BW students go global in May

More than 100 BW students studied abroad in the month of May as part of faculty-led experiences on four continents.

Five honored with 2018 Alumni Merit Awards

These accomplished alumni were chosen for the highest honor conferred upon a BW graduate by the Alumni Association.

MBA grad appointed dean of Maryville University School of Business

Doris Shaw, MBA '83, is the new dean of the John E. Simon School of Business.

Alumnus leaves lasting impact in field of refugee work

Larry Yungk '79 retired last November from a fulfilling career in refugee work spanning over 30 years.

Theatre grad advances wig and makeup design career in return to renowned opera

Nicholas Lynch-Voris '16 returns to the prestigious Santa Fe Opera, parlaying a previous summer apprenticeship into a staff post.

BW finance and marketing grad leads Operation Support Our Troops-America

Alumnus takes the reigns as interim executive director of the community-based nonprofit he founded to support American troops.

Education grad tapped for high-performing district superintendent post

Jodie Hausman, superintendent of Ohio's Perkins Local School District, prepares to lead Bay Village City Schools.

Biology grad is first chief quality officer at Akron Children's Hospital

Dr. Michael Bigham '97 was recently appointed to the new role of chief quality officer at Akron Children's Hospital.

Alumna utilizes Spanish and accounting degree at Cleveland Clinic

Jennifer Jouriles '16 is putting her experiences from both her Spanish and accounting majors to work as an accountant at the Cleveland Clinic.

Mathematics faculty and alumna honored as outstanding educators

Two BW professors and one alumna were honored by the Greater Cleveland Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Teamwork lands BW scholar in Journal of Public Health and Emergency

Student and faculty worked together to address issues surrounding natural disasters in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

BW grad seeks HOPE for Ohio's children

Kevin Lorson '98 helped create the Health and Opioid Prevention Education (HOPE) Curriculum for Ohio's K-12 students.

History grad is adviser to US Department of Homeland Security

His arts and sciences education prepared Andrew Szilagyi '07 for a demanding role with the third largest agency of the federal government.

Accounting grad is new CEO of prominent outdoor plastics company

Anthony Ciepiel '81 continues to climb the corporate ladder as he takes over the position of CEO at Step2 Discovery.

Grad on whirlwind tour with Cirque du Soleil

Applying his talent, ingenuity and skills to his career as a musician have enabled performance major Kevin Johnson '12 to enjoy remarkable...

Class of 2018 marks BW’s 168th Commencement

With a former astronaut urging them to stay grounded as they reach for the stars, BW recognized 672 graduates.

BW Ohio Poll: Primary voters favor Renacci, DeWine, Cordray; Many still undecided

A BW CRI poll of Ohio voters finds many still undecided about who they will vote for in the May 8 primary.

Nursing grads transform passion into a rewarding profession

In celebration of National Nurses Week, BW recognizes the many accomplishments and contributions of the nursing students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Campus Safety Task Force Final Report: Executive Summary

Engineering freshman wins ODOT scholarship, paid summer internship

Engineering major William Bradley III is making a mark as a freshman, winning a statewide scholarship competition and landing a paid internship.

Ovation spotlights student success

A premier Ovation Festival event, Day of Excellence is one of 13 showcase programs that bring to life the richness of BW student success.

Music theatre seniors back from whirlwind New York showcase

Every April, graduating MT seniors strut their stuff in NYC during a showcase for top theatre casting directors and agents.

Day of Excellence celebrates student success

A highlight of the day was the Honors Awards Ceremony, which recognized students with scholarships and awards.

Cleveland Orchestra and BW Conservatory of Music announce residency partnership

The unique collaboration will include master classes and a BW performance by The Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director Franz...

Baldwin Wallace public relations professor, student honored by PRSA Cleveland

Professor Julie Miller and Rachel Klimczuk '18 were honored at the organization's prestigious Hill, Lighthouse and Young Awards.

Voice program accrues national acclaim

Award-winning opera productions and renowned collaborations are putting BW’s voice performance program in the national spotlight.

STEM majors awarded NASA/Ohio Space Grant Consortium scholarships

Students will research Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and a destructive pathogen destroying American beech trees.

Accounting students place second in intercollegiate ethics competition

BW placed second among six universities in Northeast Ohio's First Annual Intercollegiate Ethics Case Competition.

Alumnus advances career right out of BW

Hired immediately after graduation, Cliff Bender '06 has proven himself to be a dependable man of many skills.

Music theatre alumnus is Broadway's new leading man

BW music theatre alumnus Zach Adkins '15 takes over the lead role of Dmitry in "Anastasia" on Broadway.

BW Trustee John W. Kropf honored by Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges

The award recognizes an OFIC university trustee who has demonstrated "commitment and service above and beyond the norm."

Baldwin Wallace University names new School of Business dean

Dr. Frank C. Braun brings deep industry and academic experience to his new role helming BW's highly ranked business programs.

Big Give yields big results

This year's Big Give was the highest in dollar amount as well as total donors, as the BW community united to generate a record-breaking $230,744.

BW student body elects president and vice president

The ticket of Andrew Henthorn '19 and Allyson Crays '20 was elected to serve as the 106th BW Student Body President and Vice President.

From Russia to pocketbook issues, BW wraps up analysis of statewide survey

Dr. Lauren Copeland's students have been crunching and releasing survey data as part of a research methods course.

Alumnus lands dream internship with NCAA

Andy Schultz '17 was recently offered the position of Division III Governance Intern with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Compositions by BW piano technician, decades in the works, come to life

Mark Graham's choral series, "The Songs of Ascents," comes to life at an April 15 concert at BW's Conservatory of Music.

BW professors tout problem solving skills as key to success, classes added to core

A champion for problem solving skills as crucial to career, Dr. Ed Meyer led the effort to offer core credit for problem solving...

BW grad celebrates Cleveland in first solo photography exhibition

Core classes helped Christina Sadowski find a passion for photography while a business degree helped her open a gallery.

BW honors exceptional educators

BW recently honored Drs. Thea (McAfee) Wilson '75 (l) and Barbara (Mueller) Sawrey '73 (r) as Outstanding Educators.

Music theatre alumna takes over Broadway in 'Mean Girls'

Music theatre alumna Kate Rockwell '06 is back on Broadway in the musical adaptation of the hit movie "Mean Girls."

BW chosen by theatre audience for grant

Read on to learn how the interactive production "How to End Poverty in 90 Minutes" resulted in grant money for the BW Scholars program.

BW statewide survey tests Ohio opinion on Trump, Twitter and trust

Three-fourths of Ohioans say President Trump uses his personal Twitter account too much; voters divided on issues of trust. 

NE Ohioans prefer Chief Wahoo to Block C

Survey shows lukewarm feelings about the logo that may adorn the uniforms of the Cleveland Indians next season.

No pixie dust needed for this Disney Imagineer

Digital media grad Nick Snyder '13 is living his dream as a Walt Disney Imagineer.

Professor showcases knowledge in Buddhist documentary

Dr. Ellen Posman is featured as a scholarly expert in a documentary showcasing the hierarchal plights that women face in religion.

BW researchers turn back time to inform the future of NE Ohio's forests

A student-faculty study of the area's very first land surveys, just published in an international journal, offers vivid insights.

Percussion alumna presented with prestigious achievement award

Kay Stonefelt '60 was honored with the Conservatory Alumni Achievement Award.

Baldwin Wallace CRI poll finds broad support for new gun laws in Ohio

Three quarters of registered voters favor mandatory waiting periods and raising the minimum age to buy semiautomatic rifles.

'BW in Zambia' garners prestigious national study abroad recognition

The distinctive study abroad experience in BW's speech-language pathology graduate program wins two major awards.

NASA Glenn Research Center director Janet Kavandi to speak at Spring Commencement

Astronaut and director of NASA Glenn Research Center Janet Kavandi will speak May 5 to 650 graduates and their guests.

BW grad on cutting edge of cancer research

Chemistry alumnus Dr. Cloud Paweletz '96 has established himself as a formidable force in the field of cancer research.

Revitalized Exponent wins recognition as BW student journalism thrives

Student-run journalism is flourishing at BW with Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards to prove it.

Computer science grad furthers career on West Coast

DeShawn Franklin '15 is working as a software engineer with Basis Worldwide in Santa Monica, California.

Physics major conducts stellar research

Physics major Kyle Pellegrin '18 and fellow researchers presented their findings at the 231st American Astronomical Society Conference.

Conservatory alumna brings flamenco to BW

Flamenco and classical guitarist Marija Temo '91 will perform in Gamble Auditorium on March 14.

Equity Trust funds endowed scholarship to support community-minded students

A gift totaling nearly $1 million will endow the Desich Family Community Impact Scholarship for BW students.

BW Public Health professor studies effect of climate change on dengue fever

Dr. Ubydul Haque is co-principal investigator on the $1.26 million grant-funded project, with opportunities for BW students.

Recent grad launches career with Handshake

Marvin Williams '17 was hired before graduation with the help of Career Services' newly-launched networking and job resource platform.

Education grad is one of Cleveland Magazine's 'Most Interesting People'

Special education teacher inspires students by winning a women's title in the World's Strongest Disabled Man competition.

On the page, on stage, in class, English professor achieves success

English professor Les Hunter practices his craft in academia and the theatre as a dramatist, critic and analyst.

Sport management grad enjoys 'fan-fare' of his career

Sport management major Corey Kinder '12 credits BW for helping him gain valuable experiences that helped him land a job in professional...

BW shines in new round of rankings

National and state rankings place BW among an impressive list of top colleges having exceptional value, online graduate degree programs and nursing.

Yellow Jacket love connections

"YJ4L" couples share how cupid’s arrow struck at Baldwin Wallace University.

Award-winning WBWC celebrates 60 years

The first student owned and operated radio station in the U.S., BW's award-winning WBWC 88.3 is celebrating 60 years of success.

Baldwin Wallace nursing program ranked among Ohio's very best

Based, in part, on superior NCLEX-RN pass rates, BW's BSN program is ranked third out of 91 programs in Ohio.

Classroom 'superpowers' earn alumna the 'Oscar' of teaching

The Milken Family Foundation honors BW alumna and master teacher Theresa Cross with a $25,000 Educator Award.

BW MBA team places second in ACG Cup

Five BW graduate business students competed in the rigorous business case study competition.

Sport management majors work, learn and network at Super Bowl

Students on "Donovan Live" talk about their trip to one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.

Alumna takes center stage at renowned Metropolitan Opera

Renowned vocalist Jennifer Rowley '02 continues her ascent to the world's greatest stages, including recent performances at the...

Faculty and students collaborate on augmented reality app

An interdepartmental research team is developing an app to help speech-language pathology students gain critical skills.

Alumna credits BW for grad school success

Outstanding clinical experience in BW's communication sciences and disorders program is giving Hannah Lemmon '17 a career edge in...

Aspiring HPE teacher honored with scholarship

BW student-athlete and health and physical education major Madeline Ziccardi '18 is the recipient of a prestigious scholarship.

Baldwin Wallace announces Campus Safety Task Force

BW establishes new Campus Safety Task Force to strengthen and improve policies and processes.

BW grad builds hip-hop arts career

Young alumnus Samuel "Sammy Mac" McIntosh '15 advocates for the gravity of hip-hop culture through music and dance.

Alumnus on 300-mile trek to create environmental awareness

Biology major Keith Hanson '08 began a 300-mile trek through South Carolina to raise awareness and funds for clean water and river conservation.

World champion marches to the beat of his own drum

Passion, perseverance and showmanship describe music education major Gabriel MacWilliams '21, a two-time world champion for snare drum.

BW earns reaffirmation of HLC accreditation

A Higher Learning Commission team concluded that BW "is an excellent university that is fully deserving of reaccreditation."

BW grad to direct 'Creed II' with Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone

Film studies and marketing alumnus Steven Caple Jr. '10 will use his award-winning talent to direct "Creed II" for MGM and Warner...

New cognitive-communication lab uses EEG to expand student research

A new lab puts students at the center of research opportunities that enable them to delve into medical topics like aphasia and concussion.

Fall 2018

BW acting and directing alumna shines on and off the stage

Cait Engler '15 is pursuing her dream of being an actress while helping other actors through Green and Green Talent Group.

BW students make New York City debut with original musical

BW students are premiering songs from an original musical at NYC's legendary Feinstein's/54 Below supper club.

BW public relations students have a real 'heart' for design

The Cleveland Clinic Cardiac ICU team sported BW students' t-shirt designs at the American Heart Association's annual Heart Walk.

Fueled by her personal journey, BW grad studies the brain and obesity

Sarah Terrill '13 is on the forefront of neuroscientific studies with a specialization on ingestive behaviors driven by her history of...

School of Business alumnus named COO

In his new executive role, Tom Kmiecik '81 will lead the day-to-day operations of Krieg DeVault's seven offices across the Midwest.

New BW 'Career Captains' event links student-athletes to alumni mentors

BW connects student-athletes and Yellow Jacket graduates for professional mentoring tailored to the college athletics experience.

BW Celebrates 307 Graduates at Fall 2018 Commencement

Commencement speaker and Cleveland Indians broadcaster Matt Underwood told the graduates not to "settle for easy."

Lincoln Center gives BW Conservatory alumna prestigious chamber music award

Deborah Barrett Price '84 won the Award for Extraordinary Service to Chamber Music.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra welcomes BW Conservatory grad

Mark Maliniak's appointment follows years of touring with established orchestras.

BW partners with Drive·IT to build blockchain skills for the future

The aim is to "up-skill, re-tool and empower NE Ohio professionals" to take the lead on this disruptive technology.

BW alumni and students team up with women's football team to break barriers

Alumni and students are helping the Cleveland Fusion, a women's tackle football team, break the gender barrier of the great American pastime.

Professor earns twin recognition for advancing women in tech

Dr. Jodi Tims earned kudos for her work at BW and as chair of an international technology organization.

Whether violin or fiddle … her talent is 'royal'

This year's National Scottish Fiddle champion Meredith Hopkins '16 credits BW for helping her gain the poise to secure the title.

Biology grad's wildlife conservation career soars to many heights

Joe Barnes '97 is doing hands-on research with golden eagles, peregrine falcons and other birds of prey for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Women’s Cross Country team makes Yellow Jacket history

The team captured BW's first-ever Great Lakes Regional Championship in cross country.

BW senior earns recognition at District Metropolitan Opera Auditions

The judges recognized the youngest competitor, BW senior tenor Ethan Burck, for his "exceptional promise."

BW grad Steven Caple Jr. screens 'Creed II' in Cleveland ahead of worldwide release

Part of the storied "Rocky" franchise, "Creed II" marks Caple's second feature film in the director's chair.

BW honors Mark Danni '88 with 2018 Conservatory Alumni Achievement Award

The renowned percussionist and founding artistic director of TheatreZone in Naples, Florida, was presented the award during a two-day residency.

Aspiring sports agent scores Super Bowl success

Julianna Rubin '17 transformed a trip to the Super Bowl into an outstanding networking opportunity that is giving her a career edge.

Biology majors branch out into field research

Chloe Dickinson '21 and Elisha Bly '21 gain valuable research skills studying old-growth trees in the Cleveland Metroparks.

Students, faculty aim to turn the tide on historically low youth vote

Two campus groups work to energize student turnout in the 2018 midterm election.

BW alumnus balances new opportunities as head coach and GM of Connecticut Suns

Curt Miller's career trajectory has him winning awards, choosing Olympians and acting as an LGBTQ role model.

BW Community Research Institute releases final Ohio midterm poll results

Third and final statewide survey reveals that Ohio governor's race remains deadlocked with just a week until election day.

BW welcomes acclaimed soprano Jennifer Rowley as Artist-in-Residence

In addition to private coaching and teaching BW voice performance majors, Rowley's residency will include several public events.

Cleveland Indians broadcaster Matt Underwood '90 to speak at commencement

Matt Underwood '90, broadcaster for the Cleveland Indians, will be the keynote speaker for BW's Dec. 8 fall commencement.

Goal-scoring, life-saving Logan Davis is living out his career dreams step by step

The BW senior psychology major was inspired by a family medical crisis to forge a career providing critical care.

BW implements chosen name change option

BW recently implemented a new policy that allows a person to identify a different first name and pronouns for communication platforms.

Award-winning 'This Is Us' star Sterling K. Brown wows BW crowd

BW welcomed the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor for the 2018 School of Business Leadership Lecture.

Rare Conservatory of Music student-athlete hits all the right notes

Claire Makowski is one of only two BW Conservatory students currently competing in NCAA Division III athletics.

BW poll shows tight race for Ohio governor, support for Issue 1, Supreme divide

The Community Research Institute statewide Ohio poll surveyed likely voters ahead of the midterm elections.

Biology majors benefit from new undergraduate research experience

Participants say BW's new summer STEM faculty-student collaborative scholarship program acts as a career booster.

BW Alternative Breaks named National Program of the Year

Judges for Break Away praised BW's growing program, strong student leadership model and a focus on social justice topics.

Physics grad studies brain-controlled robotic prosthetics

Daniel Candrea '14 is working to develop a mechanism that uses neural activity to control robotic prosthetics.

Education grad finds second career at BW

After notching two BW degrees and a 40-year education career, this alumna is back on campus (and so is her granddaughter).

BFA program breaks into top rankings

OnStage ranks BW's BFA in Acting among the top 20 in the nation, just two years after BW established the degree program.

Physics major revels in hands-on electrical engineering career

Anna Frashure's path to product engineer at Bendix has been forged with inspiring determination.

BW Bold & Gold Festival combines Homecoming and Community Day

The event also celebrated the grand opening of the University Market and Front Street Residence Hall.

New maestro melds artistry with wit

BW Director of Orchestral Studies Soo Han brings talent, musical authenticity, artistry and wit to his role as BW's newest maestro.

BW poll shows voter enthusiasm gap in advance of Ohio midterm election

More Democrats say that voting this November is "more important" than in previous Ohio midterms.

Baldwin Wallace University names first LaunchNET entrepreneur-in-residence

Linda G. Kanner is an entrepreneur, consultant and educator with 25+ years of manufacturing and innovation experience.

Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre ranked number one in the nation

OnStage calls BW "a top destination for any student wanting to study musical theatre" and ranks the program best of the best.

In 25th year among the best, BW's 2019 US News rankings on the rise

BW earned a number of U.S. News distinctions, including "Best Value" and "Best Undergraduate Teaching."

Grad inducted into sports hall of fame

A twist of fate matched Steve Stohla '70 with BW and set him on the path to success and his recent Lorain Sports Hall of Fame induction.

BW celebrates 'Frankenstein' as the electrifying tale turns 200

The celebration includes films, lectures, readings and an exhibit with early manuscripts and a life-sized Frankenstein vignette.

Award-winning actor Sterling K. Brown to appear at BW

Brown's October 6 Business Leadership Lecture is part of a year-long BW cultural series featuring "Voices of Imagination and...

Cleveland Orchestra and Baldwin Wallace announce residency details

The residency provides educational opportunities for BW music and arts administration students and includes events and concerts open to the public.

Alumna wins Toastmasters 2018 World Championship of Public Speaking

PR grad Ramona J. Smith was crowned winner of the global speaking contest that started with 80,000 competitors!

Recent alumna is account manager for marketing agency

Tessa Louche '17 began her job at Upshot Agency in Chicago just months after graduating from BW.

BW professors recognized for excellence

With achievements for teaching, mentoring, research, community service and more, five faculty members were honored for outstanding contributions.

"Voices of Imagination and Innovation" series to inspire audiences at BW

The 2018-19 cultural series features artists and leaders who harness creativity to enlighten thinking and transform the world around us.

BW welcomes 2018 new faculty

A talented group of faculty has joined the BW community. Of the 11 individuals, many are new to campus and a few are familiar faces in new roles.

Innovative Front Street retail, dining and BW residence hall complex opens

Grand Opening celebration from September 15-22 includes events, giveaways and specials.

BW students and alumna serve Cleveland through internships

Two BW students and one alumna partnered with Cleveland-area nonprofits this summer through The Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program.