Baldwin Wallace University highlights exceptional women through 126th White Rose recognition

Each year during BW's spring commencement weekend, the traditional White Rose recognition honors exceptional female students in memory of Philura Gould Baldwin, granddaughter of BW founder John Baldwin and BW's first librarian. Honored graduates are nominated by the faculty and staff for their distinguished contributions to the Baldwin Wallace 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 original location of that collection was the basement of old Hulet Hall on Baldwin University's South Campus.

The Baldwin Wallace University colors of brown and gold, carried over from Baldwin University, had been 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 listed below represent the same commitment and contribution shown by the woman they honor.