The Berea City Council adopted a resolution to honor and celebrate Baldwin Wallace University on Oct. 4. 

Resolution 10-3 proposed an official recognition of BW after they were named the 2021 recipient of the Berea Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award. 

The Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award is a new addition to the Chamber’s annual award program. According to the Chamber of Commerce, 2021 is the first year the Chamber of Commerce will present the Legacy Award to a community company or institution that has had a significant, lasting impact on Berea.  

“I think it’s kind of interesting because there’s not a lot of recognition for that type of thing in our community,” said Council President Jeff Dettmer. “And BW, certainly, has had an impact on our community from the beginning.” 

Since 1967, the Chamber has honored contributions from outstanding citizens of Berea by presenting the Grindstone Award. In 2016, they expanded the program to include the Courtesy and Rising Star Awards. The Courtesy Awards honor those employees of Berea businesses who go above and beyond the call of duty. The Rising Star Award is presented to a new local business that has already made a positive impact on the community with the Rising Star Award. 

The resolution was adopted unanimously after being moved by Councilman Dozier of Ward 1, and the award was presented to BW President Robert Helmer on Oct. 7.