BEREA, OHIO (May 14, 2024) — Alex Minyard of Milan, Illinois (61264), was nominated by faculty and staff to take part in Baldwin Wallace University's 130th Annual White Rose Ceremony. Minyard, a graduate of Rockridge High School majoring in theatre acting and directing, was asked to participate in recognition of her special contribution to life at BW.
The White Rose Ceremony is held each May during Commencement weekend in memory of Philura Gould Baldwin, BW's first librarian and granddaughter of BW founder John Baldwin. At the behest of the Baldwin family, an oration is given, and select female-identifying graduates carry white roses that serve as a memorial to Philura. There is no set of standards or criteria that must be met, but each woman must have, in her own unique way, distinguished herself by making a difference in the BW community.
A member of the class of 1886, Philura Gould Baldwin started BW's first library by collecting books as an undergraduate and cataloging them according to Dewey's new decimal system. The BW colors of brown and gold, carried over from Baldwin University, were Philura's suggestion. Following her death from consumption at age 26, Philura's parents donated funds for a library that was dedicated in her memory in June 1894. The women of the White Rose represent the same commitment and contribution shown by the woman they honor.
Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 3,500 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal-arts tradition in more than eighty academic areas. Located in Berea, twelve miles from downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational, and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.
