110 YEARS OF THE EXPONENT

2023 marks the 110th year that The Exponent has informed the Baldwin Wallace University and Berea communities. In our recurring series, we highlight the rich history of the Berea Community's Paper of Record. To commemorate Women's History Month, we are spotlighting the contributions of notable women who have served as The Exponent's editor-in-chief.

By AUSTIN PATTERSON, SIMON SKOUTAS & HANNAH WETMORE

In 1951, Nancy McArthur took up the mantle of editor-in-chief. A native of Olmsted Falls, McArthur went on to author 14 children’s books, nine of which were part of a series called “The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks.” In addition, McArthur adapted the first book of the series into a play due to its popularity. After graduating from Baldwin Wallace, McArthur worked as a part-time journalism professor teaching the students who would go on to continue her work legacy The Exponent. McArthur died on July 15, 2020.

In the spring semester of 1935, The Exponent welcomed its first female editor-in-chief, Dorothy Seith (née Hummel), 19 years after the paper was founded. In an article written in 1936, The Exponent reflected on Seith’s contributions, which reads, “The Exponents for the year are mute evidence that the appointment of Dorothy Hummel was indeed justified.” Seith graduated from Baldwin Wallace College in 1936 before going on to Case Western Reserve University, where she received a master’s degree in social work. In 1976, Seith retired from Summit County Children’s Services. During her lifetime, she participated in the Women’s League of Voters. Seith passed away in 2008 at the age of 95.

Humans of BW: The many faces of feminism

Our photo series gives a glimpse into BW community members' lives in their own words. Know someone who should be featured? Email exponent@bw.edu.

As told to and photographed by OLIVIA GARRETT

STEVIE KONTNIER

Class of 2023

Majors: English and Philosophy

“It’s about equality, you know? Not making women better than men but bringing them to the same level to offer the same opportunities. … There’s a lot of misconceptions about [feminism], but if you look at different angles of it, I think it’s a lot more practical than people make it out to be.”

MOLLY

Class 2024

Majors: English and Psychology

“[Feminism is] promoting an understanding of the struggles that women face simply because of the fact that they’re women. … [It] is about education and making people aware of women’s oppression and combating the stereotypes and misinformation about women’s experiences.”

KEVIN BUBNICK

Class of 2024

Major: Arts Management & Entreprenuership

“Feminism is about striving to make all genders as equal as possible. … It’s our job as humans to view how other people live their lives, so we have to be empathetic.”