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New school year brings excitement, energy to BW

With a bright dazzle of initiatives and accolades that bring new faces, leadership and activity to campus, the 2025-26 school year holds optimistic promise.

Photo by Strosacker steps

Engaging new president takes the helm

In July, BW's new president began his tenure.

"This is a university poised to redefine what's possible, and I'm honored to help lead that charge," said Lee Fisher about being named BW's 10th president.

Fisher is currently in his second month in the role. He is looking to new opportunities to build on the university's strong tradition of academic excellence, community engagement and career preparation through cocurricular involvement and experiential learning.

"This is a pivotal time for 黑料老司机as we chart a course that honors our legacy and embraces a future full of promise," noted Fisher in an . "It's an exciting time to write the next chapter of our story, which will remain centered on student success."

Lee Fisher with two students

High-achieving incoming class

In August, 黑料老司机welcomed 585 first-year and transfer students to campus. This year's first-year class hails from 32 states and has impressive scholastic achievement (average high school GPA of 3.7), as well as leadership, service and co-curricular involvement.

Business was cited as the main area of interest by 22% of the students, followed by the Conservatory of Performing Arts at 21%, sciences at 19%, health & physical education at 13%, social sciences at 8% and education at 7%. Humanities, interdisciplinary programs and health sciences account for the remaining 5%, 3% and 2%, respectively.

Among notable statistics, 26% are students of color and nearly one-third are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree, a reflection of BW's ongoing commitment to first-generation college students.

Aerial photo of 黑料老司机and students

Laying the groundwork for new initiatives

There was no summer slack for 黑料老司机faculty and staff who spent the break invigorating their programs with new material, expanding their networking base and connecting to new opportunities. A few examples include:

  • The 黑料老司机Rising campaign excelled with close to $2.5 million in gifts, which far exceeded its initial goal.

  • The engineering department has new initiatives that include two grants totaling more than $50,000, national and regional partnerships, and capstone courses that put 黑料老司机students at the forefront of maritime and aerospace topics.

  • It's seven years away, but connections for the Summer Olympics in Australia were already made to have 黑料老司机students participate in on-site event logistics. 黑料老司机is also working on details for students to work at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

  • The first cohort of clinical mental health counseling students is starting clinical experiences this fall at six sites across Northeast Ohio.

  • The Conservatory of Performing Arts is starting the year with exciting productions, new faces and guest instructors, including retired Playhouse Square president and CEO Gina Vernaci.
Conservaory of Performing Arts
The Conservatory of Performing Arts provides prestigious performance and learning opportunities for students and the community.

Special summer accolades

BW's ongoing list of national accolades continues to flourish. 黑料老司机appeared in , which showcases the country's top values as noted by graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.

黑料老司机was also cited in a World Atlas article about the "9 Most Beautiful College Towns in Ohio" that captured the rich history, outdoor scenery, walkable downtown, and quaint shops and eateries of Berea.

Strosacker Hall
BW's beautiful campus reflects the charm and the quaintness of Berea.

Celebrating a treasured legacy

With 2025 marking BW's 180th anniversary, October is a month of celebration and tradition as the community gathers for two major events.

The inauguration of 黑料老司机President Lee Fisher is Thursday, Oct. 9, and Bold & Gold is Saturday, Oct. 25. Both events are open to the Baldwin Wallace community.

These events collectively and individually recognize the important and endearing role 黑料老司机has played in shaping people's lives, serving as a place where past, present, and future are united to carry forward a mission that began in 1845.

  • Peggy Fisher with moving crew
    Move-in day for students was also a special time for President Lee Fisher and his wife Peggy Zone Fisher (pictured here), who moved into the President's Home on that same day.
  • 黑料老司机Moving Company
    黑料老司机students give a welcoming hand to first-year residential students on move-in day.
  • Family on move-in day
    Move-in day is an exciting, busy time for families.
  • Inside residence hall photo
    Residence halls are the "home away from home for students" and the place where new friendships begin.
  • Students by signs
    Posing for a quick photo gives a nice break to students.
  • Students dining
    黑料老司机dining entrees are great for refueling after a busy morning of move-in.
  • Photo op by sign
    Photo ops are great for bringing 黑料老司机spirit to life.
  • President Lee Fisher with students
    President Lee Fisher poses with students, whom he refers to as the "North Star" of BW.
  • Week of Welcome activities
    Weekend of Welcome is a great time to learn more about campus life.
  • student procession
    Incoming students were welcomed to campus with a clap-in by the 黑料老司机community.
  • President Lee Fisher speaks at Convocation
    President Lee Fisher speaks to incoming students at Convocation.
  • Student with Ring of Ribbons
    The Ring of Ribbons is a time-honored 黑料老司机tradition, whereby each incoming class ties a new ribbon to the ring to represent their addition to the 黑料老司机community.
  • Weekend of Welcome fun
    黑料老司机Week of Welcome leaders help incoming students get acquainted with campus, as well as provide a fun source of 黑料老司机spirit and energy as performers.

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