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An organ major who pursued her passion for music, Janet Roll Archer '57 is a distinguished philanthropist, musician and community leader who, together with her husband Robert, is helping shape the future of BW through a very generous $1 million gift to the Fund for BW.
The gift reflects the couple's ongoing dedication to Baldwin Wallace University, where they have focused their support on the Bach Festival, the Conservatory of Performing Arts, the BW Community Arts School and the Fund for BW.
Through their generosity, BW students in the arts have been able to pursue their goals and dreams, as did Janet, who credits BW for being a foundation that helped nurture her love of music, education and the arts.
"Janet has been a pillar of our community for decades. Her and Bob's most recent gift of $1 million is a testament to her loyalty as a cherished alumna who believes in the transformational mission of our university. It also pays tribute to the momentum we see occurring across campus as we together build a stronger and more distinctive BW," said Baldwin Wallace President Lee Fisher.
"Through her love and commitment to BW, Janet wanted to leave a legacy that would benefit students both now and in the future through a gift to the Fund for BW," Fisher went on to say.
"The Fund for BW serves as a foundation for our university that sustains excellence by providing immediate and flexible support to the greatest needs and emerging priorities of our students. We thank Janet and Bob for demonstrating their confidence in us with such a monumental gift," stated Fisher.
Valedictorian of the Class of 1957, Janet was an organ major and a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, Delta Zeta and Laurels. In addition, she was a participant in the White Rose Ceremony, chair of the Community Chest philanthropy drive and organist for the Baccalaureate Ceremony during her Commencement. Her deep engagement as a student leader on campus led to deep engagement as a leader in her community.
Following her graduation and marriage to Robert in 1957, she continued her education, earning a master's degree in urban studies with a focus on health planning from The University of Akron.
At the time when Ohio was served by 10 regional health planning organizations, she was engaged in this important and evolving field. Alongside her professional pursuits, she remained dedicated to music. She taught piano to as many as 35 students at a time before pausing her teaching career to raise her family.
After her children entered school, Janet resumed her career by serving as development director for University Hospitals Samaritan Hospital. She later assumed a leadership role with the United Way of Ashland County, ultimately guiding the organization's efforts as its distinguished director for a decade. Continuing her commitment to community development, she also led Leadership Ashland County for five years until her retirement.
Throughout these years, Janet and Robert have nurtured a deep commitment to philanthropy. A devoted alumna, she has supported BW for decades through annual giving and contributions to the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
In 2019, she established the Janet Roll Archer Endowed Conservatory Scholarship, providing lasting support to students pursuing their studies.
As an organ major and enthusiastic admirer of Johann Sebastian Bach, she also has a special affinity for BW's annual Bach Festival. In 2021, she made a generous gift to elevate the Bach Festival Endowment Fund.
Her and Robert's most recent gift to support the Fund for BW will have a meaningful impact on even more students. In recognition of their generosity, Janet will be honored with the installation of a plaque on the multi-story pipe organ in Lindsay-Crossman Chapel — a tribute that reflects both her Conservatory experience and her steadfast, lifelong commitment to BW.
Known affectionately by family and friends as a true "communitarian" — the melding of words community and humanitarian — Janet remains deeply engaged in the causes and institutions she values most.
Both Janet and Robert have been widely recognized for their transformative support of educational institutions and the arts in Ohio. In Ashland, Ohio, where they have lived for more than 50 years, they have dedicated themselves to advancing education and fostering initiatives that promote peace and well-being to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the world.
