The ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Way: Be Who You Are
April 20, 2026
"True belonging doesn’t require that we change who we are. It requires that we be who we are."
— Dr. Brené Brown
Good Morning ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ,
I am deeply honored to follow in the footsteps of so many legendary ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ leaders who have shaped this institution and helped our students find their voice, build their character, and chart a better way — the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Way — for their future, and ours.
Their leadership set a high standard — not simply through their accomplishments, but through the values they modeled and the culture they built. A culture where students are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
This morning, I want to talk about one of those leaders who personified The ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Way.
This past Friday, I had the privilege of speaking at the Obie Bender Multicultural Awards — an annual celebration recognizing remarkable students, staff, faculty, and student organizations who demonstrate that we are a community where every person feels they belong and has the support they need to succeed.
The awards bear the name of Dr. Obie Bender '62 — a legendary figure in our history and a builder of bridges. Over a remarkable 36-year career as a student-athlete and administrator, Obie shaped Baldwin Wallace in lasting ways. As a student, he was a standout athlete, helping lead the Yellow Jackets to their only undefeated and untied football season in 1961 under legendary Coach Lee Tressel.
As a professional, he earned his Ph.D. and served ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ for more than three decades with four ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ presidents — Alfred Bonds, Neal Malicky, Mark Collier and Richard Durst as Executive Assistant to the President.
Obie’s legacy lives on not only in memory, but in action. Through the Obie Bender Business Scholarship and the Obie and Betty Bender Scholarship, many students have received support to pursue their education and their aspirations. His impact continues to open doors — just as he did throughout his life.
He was the person who made the difficult paths smoother for students, faculty, and staff alike. He was the mentor who offered guidance when a student felt lost.
To our students, faculty, and staff who were honored Friday evening: Your accomplishments are the modern chapters of the story Obie started writing decades ago.
To our alumni: your accomplishments since graduation are the living evidence of his vision.
When we talk about the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Way, we are talking about values like Obie's.
Be Who You Are.
Get Better at Who You Are.
To Chart a Better Way
And Make a Better World.
Obie's work did not conclude with his retirement in 2006. It lives on through each of our students in the character and leadership they build on our campus every day.
With appreciation,
Lee Fisher
President, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ