Baldwin-Wallace Traditions
Your introduction to campus life will begin with the traditional Weekend of Welcome, when music, hypnotists, and luaus on the quad will help you and your new classmates break the ice. The following are some of the other campus traditions you’ll come to know and love.
April Reign
For 86years, April Reign weekend has brought together Greek, independent, and commuter teams to compete for the title of April Reign Champions. Crowds of nearly two thousand people—faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the surrounding communities—cheer students on in obstacle course challenges, chariot and boat races, and tug competitions, which take place both on campus and at the nearby Cleveland Metroparks. A concert caps off the weekend. In 2004, we welcomed musical guest Maroon 5.
Baldwin-Wallace Bach Festival
The Baldwin-Wallace Bach Festival--the United State's oldest collegiate Bach Festival--was founded in 1932 by longtime Director of the B-W Conservatory, Professor Albert Riemenschneider, and his wife Selma. The Baldwin-Wallace Festival Choir and Orchestra presented their first Bach Festival in June 1933. Since that time, Bach Festivals have been annual events at Baldwin-Wallace College.
McKelvey Auditorium /Burrell Memorial Observatory
Open Houses are usually, but not always, scheduled for the 3rd Friday of the month. Please call (440) 826-2312 to be put on the email list to receive notification of the program for the month. You may also call the Observatory line at (440) 826-2223 for the latest program information.
Dance Marathon
The Mission of Baldwin-Wallace College Dance Marathon, in conjunction with the Elizabeth Glaser AIDS Foundation, is to unite the community in a tradition of hope that one day children infected with AIDS will be cured. With courage, enthusiasm, and passion, those directly involved and those who support this cause work together to raise awareness. Motivated by inspiration and committed to the children, vast amounts of time and effort are poured into creating a fun and spirited Dance Marathon.
Annual Chinese New Year's Celebration
Students celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Baldwin-Wallace community in traditional dress.
Mid-Night Madness
Sponsored by the Center for Alcohol and Related-Issues Education Office, Mid-Night Madness is a series of weekend events on campus. Free movie night at the Regal Cinema, Campus Jeopardy, Rodeo Night, and The Price is Right are just some of the events organized in recent years.
Homecoming
Each fall, Homecoming weekend brings our community together in a display of school spirit. Class reunions, Hall of Fame inductions, parades through campus, and musical events make this weekend a festive time on campus. Before the B-W vs. Mount Union football game, tailgating and cookouts in front of the stadium get fans ready to cheer the B-W Yellow Jackets to victory.
B-W Idol
Faculty and staff act as a judging panel for this hilariously entertaining event. Our finest (or just funniest) performers try out, and the top ten compete for the audience and judging panel. The winner is crowned “B-W Idol” and the crowd goes wild!
Greek Sing
Fraternities and sororities often practice months in advance to give their best at this annual performance. With costumes, themes, and school spirit to spare, Greek Sing is an entertaining night for all who attend.
