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Genuine, caring, personable, humble — Neal Malicky’s extraordinary BW legacy spanned 25 years and thousands of people whose lives were touched and transformed by this Baldwin Wallace icon.
Early today, Baldwin Wallace University lost a beloved member of the community who served 18 years as president, six years as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, and one year as chancellor.
President Emeritus Neal Malicky was the face of BW, the champion who stood at the helm of the university. He challenged and inspired individuals to do their best work and then lauded them for their success.
His accomplishments and accolades cannot easily be confined to one news story, but highlights capture his warmth, intellect and accomplishments.
Born in Texas, Malicky was the son of a professional baseball player. The family settled in Kansas, where he would later attend Baker University. Whether it is coincidence or perhaps a foretelling of fate, Baker University is located in Baldwin — a town started by BW founder John Baldwin.
Malicky earned his undergraduate degree and met his future wife, Margi Wilson, at Baker. The couple graduated in 1956 and were married. Three years later, he received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University and served as a Methodist pastor before going to Columbia University to earn his doctorate.
In 1969, Malicky returned to Baker University as dean of the college. He and Margi had three sons — Mike, Eric and David. The family moved to Northeast Ohio in 1975 when he was named BW's dean of the college and vice president for academic affairs. He'd remain in that position until 1981, when he stepped into BW's highest role at age 46.
“From the first day he or she is in office, the president represents the university to all groups. Just as he or she wears the ceremonial presidential chain of office in commencement and other ceremonies, he or she is seen by persons inside and outside of the university as a symbol of what the university stands for. It is a high responsibility; but the weight of the office is not heavy because the goals of the university are so important. It is a privilege to be in such a position.” – Rev. Dr. Neal Malicky
Often called a relationship-builder, Malicky brought out the best in people. His words and actions were filled with kindness, truth and understanding. The personal bonds he forged with top business owners, religious leaders, university presidents as well as people he met every day were among his greatest legacies.
From entertaining 2,000-4,000 people a year at the President's House on campus to important trustee work to being the face of BW across Northeast Ohio and the nation, Malicky was a gifted speaker, hard worker and friend to many.
Malicky’s accomplishments are numerous. Though he came into the presidency with little fundraising experience, he soon excelled. The Campaign for Baldwin-Wallace College (1983-86) raised more than $19.5 million on a goal of $15 million. The Campaign for the 21st Century (1993-98) was another landslide success — more than $55 million was raised against a goal of $44 million.
One campaign stipulated that a new building would be added on North Campus. The structure, uniting Carnegie Hall and the Philura Gould Baldwin Library, would be named after Malicky. It was an honor he humbly accepted.
In 1999, Malicky retired from the presidency of Baldwin Wallace. He served as chancellor the following year and remained a devoted Yellow Jacket for Life. Though many quotes capture the essence of Malicky, the one he chose for inclusion in his memoir, "Quality Education with a Personal Touch," still resonates today.
That narrative is part of a presentation he made as the recipient of the 1996 Humanitarian Award for the National Conference for Community and Justice (formerly the National Coalition of Christians and Jews). Malicky said it was one of the highest honors he received in his lifetime.
His words offer universal wisdom for living a life of faith and altruism — as Malicky did.
"American society will become increasingly diverse in the next century, and we must go beyond shallow rationalizations if we are to provide full opportunity for each and justice for all.
When that sickening feeling emerges within us from an unsought pang of bigotry; or when we feel that shudder of fear as we see another form of discrimination emerge in our society, we must fight against it with the strength of our conviction and power of our faith. When we do, we may feel that lump in the throat that reveals our best selves and our true humanity. Then, we will become part of the solution, and not part of the problem.
Let us pledge to ourselves and to each other that we will generate the conviction to eliminate the prejudices that are within us, thus enhancing our own humanity. And let us muster the courage to help overcome the obstacles to justice and equality that are present in our society, thus enriching the lives and opportunities of others and fulfilling the dream for America.
There is no higher commitment for people of faith and conviction,
no greater challenge for Americans,
no finer opportunity to fulfill our calling
as children of God."
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at the United Methodist Church of Berea, 170 Seminary St.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Neal and Margi Malicky Scholarship Fund at Baldwin Wallace University, 275 Eastland Rd., Berea, OH, 44017 or on BW's online giving form using the “Designation” dropdown menu.
The official obituary is published on the Baker, Osinski, Kensinger Funeral Home website.
The BW campus was home to the Malicky family for nearly 20 years. Pictured with Neal and his wife Margi are (from left to right) sons Michael, Eric and David.
