14 WEEKLY 2026
SEPTEMBER
A
B A L D W I N
C I T Y
VOL 4 NO. 33 FREE DIGITAL VERSION
N E W S P A P E R
FREE LABOR DAY LUNCH
BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER Sullivan Square was filled with families, friends and plenty of tacos on Labor Day as El Patron Baldwin City served up a free lunch for anyone who wanted to stop by. The idea came from Saul Ortiz, son of El Patron owners Noel and Margarita Ortiz. Saul said he had been thinking about doing something like this for a couple of months and was excited for the opportunity to serve a meal to people of all ages in the community. And they certainly made sure no one left hungry. El Patron served beef and chicken tacos along with rice and beans, with families spreading out picnic-style around Sullivan Square to enjoy lunch
together. Kids ran through the splash pad, teenagers stopped by after football practice and community members of all ages gathered for a meal — no purchase necessary and no strings attached. For many in Baldwin City, Saul is a familiar face. We’ve watched him grow up over the years while sipping margaritas and eating chips and salsa at El Patron. Once the young waiter working alongside his family, Saul has grown into a young man who continues finding his own ways to be part of and contribute to the community that watched him grow up. In addition to serving at his family’s restaurant, Saul hosts The Saul Ortiz Show, a podcast where he interviews guests about a variety of topics. His guests have included several local faces, and episodes of the show can be found on YouTube. www.youtube. com/@SaulOrtizShow For Saul, Monday wasn’t meant to be anything complicated. He simply wanted to bring people together, serve them a good lunch and give back to the community that has supported his family for years. Sometimes community really can be as simple as a plate of tacos, an open yard of grass and an invitation for everyone to join. Thank you, Saul — and the entire Ortiz family — for treating Baldwin City to lunch.
LEFT: Saul Ortiz serves up tacos during El Patron’s free Labor Day lunch at Sullivan Square. RIGHT: Myriah Horne enjoys lunch with the bashful Josiah Horne.
14 SEPTEMBER
COMMUNITY
PG. 02
COUNCIL UPDATE: 2027 BUDGET ADOPTED The Baldwin City Council finalized the City’s 2027 budget during its Tuesday, Sept. 1 meeting, approving a property tax rate above the revenue neutral rate while adopting a mill levy slightly lower than the rate approved for the previous year. The Sept. 1 agenda included both the required revenue neutral rate hearing and the public hearing for the 2027 budget. The City had previously notified residents that the hearings would address the proposed use of City funds, property taxes and the revenue neutral rate. Revenue Neutral Rate The Douglas County Clerk calculated Baldwin City’s 2026 revenue neutral rate at 37.477 mills. The Council approved Resolution 2026-10, allowing the City to exceed that rate. Baker Tilly municipal finance adviser Matt Lawn told the Council that adopting the revenue neutral rate would reduce anticipated property tax revenue by approximately $286,000 compared with the proposed budget and could largely eliminate the general fund balance the City has been working to maintain. Council members also stressed that exceeding the revenue neutral rate does not mean the City is increasing its mill levy from the rate approved last year. The final budget sets the City’s levy at no more than 42.268 mills, compared with 42.890 mills approved for the prior budget year. Because property values can increase, however, an individual property owner could still pay more in City property taxes even with a lower mill levy. Resolution 2026-10 passed 3-1, with Council members Scott Lauridsen, Cory Venable and Peter Wentz voting yes and Jay King voting no. Council member Julie Constantinescu was absent.
2027 Budget Approved Following a separate public hearing, the Council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-11 among the four members present, formally adopting the 2027 operating budget. The resolution authorizes implementation of the budget presented to the Council. During discussion, council members repeatedly clarified that they were not raising the mill levy as part of the adopted budget. The budget reflects reductions council members have spent several months considering as they work to rebuild City reserves and prepare for future financial pressures. Council members revisited previously discussed reductions affecting the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and The Maple, but ultimately left those cuts in the adopted budget rather than restoring the funding from reserves or making additional cuts elsewhere. Much of the discussion also centered on the possibility that the Kansas Legislature could again consider limits on local government property tax revenue. Council members and Lawn discussed how a potential cap could affect the City in future budget years, particularly if municipal costs continue rising faster than allowed property tax revenue. Residents Question Budget, Property Taxes Two residents spoke during the budget hearing. Jim Breitman questioned the terminology being used during the hearing and asked City officials to more clearly explain the revenue neutral rate and programs such as the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. He also raised concerns about rising property taxes and the impact on residents living on fixed incomes.
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Lawn explained that the revenue neutral rate is the mill levy that would generate essentially the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year, after accounting for changes in assessed valuation. Jeff Flory questioned why budget documents appeared to show total spending authority increasing from approximately $18 million to more than $21 million. Lawn explained that the figure represents the City’s maximum legal spending authority and includes reserve balances, utilities and multiple City funds. It does not mean the City plans to spend the entire amount during 2027. Save the Lake Receives Grant Rebecca McMillan also addressed the Council with an update on the Save the Lake effort. McMillan announced that committee member Kenny Niehoff had officially secured a Community Fisheries Assistance Program grant through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to help repair the lake spillway. She said the committee has raised more than $15,000 in donations and has spent hundreds of volunteer hours reopening trails, repairing signs, rebuilding footbridges and restoring other areas around the lake. The Council packet from the previous meeting noted that the committee had already contributed more than 225 volunteer hours and was awaiting final movement on the Wildlife and Parks grant. McMillan asked the City to contribute what it can toward the project, arguing that repairing the spillway is part of maintaining a City park. The Lake Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. before the regular City Council meeting, where additional information about
the grant and plans for the spillway is expected to be shared. Wastewater Reserves Remain A Concern During committee reports, Lauridsen said the City’s electric fund remains in relatively good financial condition and the water fund is projected to move closer to its reserve target. The wastewater fund, however, remains well below the City’s reserve policy. Council members said future utility budget discussions will likely include how quickly to rebuild those reserves and what rate changes could be necessary over several years. City staff also reported completing a major wastewater repair in-house between Third and Fourth streets, between Chapel and Dearborn, which avoided the cost of contracting out the entire project. Other Business The Council conditionally approved the street closure associated with the Baker University Marching Festival, using the same Fremont Street closure area as the previous year unless organizers request a change. The festival application was included on the Sept. 1 consent agenda. Councilman Jay King also volunteered to serve on the interview committee for an open Baldwin City Library Board position following the resignation of a recently appointed member. The library appointment was listed among the meeting’s new business items. The next regular Baldwin City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Baldwin City Community Center. The City Council generally meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
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14 SEPTEMBER
COMMUNITY
PG. 03
CHAMBER WEIGHS CHANGES AFTER CITY FUNDING CUT The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce is evaluating potential changes to its programs, staffing and downtown office following a $20,000 reduction in funding from the City of Baldwin City. The reduction was confirmed as part of the City’s 2027 budget decisions Tuesday, Sept. 1, and represents a significant change in the financial support the Chamber has received from the City. In a statement provided to The Maple Weekly, the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors said the organization understands the difficult decisions facing the City Council but acknowledged the reduction will have an impact on Chamber operations. “We know City Council faced some difficult budget decisions and we respect the choices they had to make,” the board said. “While these reductions will affect the Chamber, our commitment to supporting local businesses and our community remains as strong as ever.” The Chamber currently has two paid staff members and operates from rented office space at 719 High Street in downtown Baldwin City. Its current staff includes Organization Director Dana Mullis and Executive Assistant Monica Brovont. With less City funding available, the board said it will now evaluate several areas of the organization, including programming, staffing and whether it can continue to financially sustain its current downtown office. Some Chamber events and programs could be reduced, modified or discontinued based on available funding and their impact on the community. The board will also evaluate its staffing structure and what the organization can sustainably afford moving forward. The Chamber’s physical location could change as well. “We are evaluating whether maintaining our current office space is financially sustainable, which could mean relocating or closing the Chamber office,” the board said. Business owner questions longterm impact of cut Jared Christian, owner of Hometown
Construction in Baldwin City, said he can afford today. Strong partnerships here,” he said. “That has real economic understands the budget challenges facing determine what we’ll be able to afford value. Businesses may receive some of the City but disagrees with significantly tomorrow.” the Chamber’s most direct benefits, but the reducing funding for an organization he entire community benefits from its work.” believes contributes to economic activity Chamber evaluating next steps If reducing City funding is necessary, and growth. The Chamber plays a visible role Christian said he would prefer to see the “I understand the City is facing in Baldwin City’s business community, reduction phased in over several years, a legitimate budget challenge, and I providing support and promotion for giving the Chamber additional time to respect how difficult those decisions are,” local businesses while coordinating and develop other sources of revenue while Christian said. “Where I strongly disagree supporting a variety of community events maintaining programs and services. is with the strategy of significantly and programs throughout the year. He also said the budget discussion cutting funding for an organization The board said decisions about what points to a broader need for collaboration that helps generate economic activity, comes next have not yet been made. among the City, Chamber and local business growth, tourism, and community Instead, Chamber leadership plans to business community. investment.” seek input from both its members and the “We should be sitting at the same table Christian compared the decision broader Baldwin City community before asking, ‘How do we grow this together?’” to choices business owners face when determining how to move forward. Christian said. “There are tremendous expenses begin growing faster than A survey will be released soon asking opportunities to strengthen our economy, revenue. for feedback. attract visitors and investment, support “You look for waste and unnecessary “We hope you’ll participate and share local businesses, and ultimately generate spending, but you are extremely careful your thoughts with us as we navigate more revenue for the City.” about cutting the things that actually help moving forward together,” the board said. “Budgets should reflect our priorities, produce revenue and growth,” he said. “Thank you for your continued support of but partnerships should shape our future,” “You cannot cut your way to prosperity. the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce.” he added. “A budget tells us what we At some point, the question has to become, ‘How do we grow revenue?’ rather than simply, ‘What else can we cut?’” Christian said his perspective is shaped in part by his own experience with the Chamber. Hometown Construction was still a small, young company when it became involved with the organization, he said, and the Chamber helped the business establish connections within Baldwin City. “As our business grew, so did our ability and desire to invest back into local schools, youth programs, Sunday School : nonprofits, events, and other One Hour organizations,” Christian said. (in the church basement.) Through his work, Christian said he also regularly meets Welcome Center Opens: Wednesdays newer Baldwin City residents + Everyone is welcome! @ 6pm who talk about being drawn to Men and women + NonDenominational the community because of its welcome! Services Start: events, downtown and smallVinland Valley Community Church town atmosphere. “The Chamber plays a key role in creating and supporting many of the things that make people want to visit Baldwin City, move here, and put down roots
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14 SEPTEMBER
COMMUNITY
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WORDEN LOVES BALDWIN CITY DISTILLERY BALDWIN CITY WELCOMES NEW DISTILLER RETURNS OCT. 24
Need a little help around the house? Worden Loves Baldwin City is once again bringing volunteers together to lend a hand to local residents — completely free of charge.
Volunteers from Worden Cornerstone Church will be helping with projects around the home on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a rain-out date of Oct. 31. Organizers say no job is too small, and the goal is simply to make life a little easier and put a smile on the faces of Baldwin City neighbors. Those interested in receiving help should contact organizers by Oct. 3 at 785-893-1300 or 785-764-2560, or email wordenlovesbaldwincity@ gmail.com.
Baldwin City Distillery has welcomed a new face to its operation, bringing additional experience and an award-winning background in craft spirits to Baldwin City. The distillery recently announced the addition of Evan Wilder, an experienced distiller who will help lead production and oversee the continued development of Baldwin City Distillery’s spirits. Wilder comes to Baldwin City from Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Missouri, and brings experience spanning distilling, brewing, winemaking and agriculture. He studied the art and science of distillation in Asheville, North Carolina, where he developed an extensive understanding of fermentation, flavor profiles and spirit development. His experience also includes time abroad in Australia and New Zealand, where he worked with wineries, breweries, orchards and permaculture farms. At Baldwin City Distillery, Wilder will oversee and develop multiple aspects of distillery operations and production, including the selection of raw materials, fermentation, distillation and aging methods. His role will also include managing production schedules, inventory and quality assurance while keeping an eye on industry trends and the local market.
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Wilder has already earned recognition for his work in the spirits industry. He has created several award-winning gins, and most recently, a rye he helped create earned a gold medal in San Francisco in May 2026. His addition marks another step forward for Baldwin City Distillery as the local business continues to develop its production and craft spirits here in Baldwin City. With Wilder’s combination of technical knowledge, creativity and hands-on experience, Baldwin City Distillery is looking forward to what comes next — and to introducing the community to the spirits that result.
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14 SEPTEMBER
USD348
PG. 05
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAST OF THE 2026 BHS MUSICAL, THE ADDAMS FAMILY!
School Lunch Schedule Sept. 14–25
BHS SPORTS THIS WEEK: Sept. 14-19
Monday, Sept. 14
Monday, Sept. 14
Congratulations to the talented cast of the 2026 BHS musical, The Addams Family! We can’t wait to see this creepy, kooky and altogether entertaining crew take the stage. Break a leg, Bulldogs! Cast: Evan Milligan, Brooklyn Taylor, Oliver Meade, Lillian Crites, Rylee Webb, Maddi Cooper, Gavin Bruns, Logan Scott, Petra Morris, Hunter Harding and Wyatt Burnham. Lead Ancestors: Elliett Morton and Ali Taylor. Ancestors & Dancers: Leah Southard, Claire Watkins, Blake Brittingham, Josie Lemon, Taylor Bench, Lilly Lemon, Chyenne Pruitt, Oakley
Philly Steak Sandwich Onions & Peppers Fries Cucumber Slices Pears
Schoendaller, Mariah Johnson, Rayne Honn, Zinnia Snyder, Kambell Franke, Madison Field, Gabriella Perez, Parker Endecott, Addie Wright, Molly Cohorst, Amara Thomas-Cherestal, Harmony Hutchinson, Arwen Marsh, Karley Montney, Tehya Burnham, Camryn Blevins, Marina Goncalves, Naomi Goodwin, Rue Smith, Drake Baranski, Joshua Stuart, Alex Kennedy, Zoey Cox, Jada Sansome, Zara Marsh, Cierra Loftus, Kayden Naill, Vayda Sterba, Trystin Chiaravalle-Munoz, Sophia Byrd, Jett Good, Nicholas Schukei, Noah Tilhonen and Laurel McQuarrie.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM MR. DODGE - SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
Dear Baldwin Families, As we head into the long weekend, I want to express my appreciation to all of our amazing Baldwin families. We have enjoyed a wonderful start to the school year. This week, our activities have started up, allowing our students to share their talents on the stage and in competition. It is great to be a Bulldog! September is National Library Card Month. If you don’t currently have a library card, I would encourage you to stop by the Baldwin City Library and get one! If you already have a library card, use this opportunity to renew your library card. Those who stop by will have their names entered into a drawing later this month to receive two movie passes and two popcorn-and-drink combo deals. Reading is a great way to develop your mind, grow your vocabulary, and replace screen time with something productive. As I’ve said before, reading just 20 minutes a day can expose a person to 1.8 million words in a year! We are so very thankful for our community partners and businesses for all that they do to support our students, athletes, and staff. With this in mind, Coach Scoby and Coach Bachura are excited to announce that the 2026-2027 Bulldog Card is here! The BHS baseball and softball teams have officially kicked off their Fall fundraiser and look forward to your support. Cards cost $10 and provide numerous deals/ discounts for a variety of local businesses. If you
would like to purchase a card, please contact a player or email Chad Scoby, head softball coach, at cscoby@usd348.com. Cards are also available for purchase through the high school office. Payment options include: cash or check (payable to: BHS Softball/Baseball). Go Bulldogs! Each year, we share with you the importance of daily attendance. Our teachers work very hard to make sure that our lessons are engaging for students, have relevance for their future, and challenge them to accomplish their goals. Thank you so much for your continued support in this work. We completely support your family’s decision to keep your student home when they are sick. To help you plan your vacations this year, we published a vacation planner on our Facebook page. I’ve attached the planner to this email for your convenience. In closing, I want to wish all of our families a wonderful Labor Day weekend. It is my hope that you can find time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with your family and friends. Thank you so much for your support and for making Baldwin a great place to raise a family. Respectfully, Mark Dodge Superintendent Baldwin USD 348 #BaldwinBuilt
No School
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Wednesday, Sept. 16 Chicken Strips Au Gratin Potatoes Celery Sticks Pineapple
Thursday, Sept. 17
Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Northeast Kansas Homeschool Athletics — 3:30 p.m., Baldwin High School Boys JV Football vs. Ottawa — 4:30 p.m., Baldwin High School Girls JV Volleyball Tri — 4:30 p.m., Tonganoxie High School Boys JV Soccer at Paola — 4:30 p.m. Boys Varsity Soccer at Paola — 6 p.m. Girls JV Flag Football at Spring Hill — 5:30 p.m. Girls Varsity Flag Football at Spring Hill — 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Garlic Cheese Bread Steamed Broccoli Salad Peaches
Girls Varsity Golf — SFT Girls Golf Meet, 3 p.m., Lamont Hills Golf Course Girls JV Tennis — JV Tri, 3:30 p.m., Baldwin High School Girls JV Tennis — De Soto C-Team Tennis Quad, 3:30 p.m., Basehor-Linwood High School Girls Varsity Volleyball — Varsity Tri, 4:30 p.m., Baldwin Junior High School Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Christ Prep — 4:30 p.m., Baldwin High School
Monday, Sept. 21
Wednesday, Sept. 16
Beef Nachos Corn Black Beans Lettuce, Tomato & Peppers Frozen Juice Cup
Friday, Sept. 18
Chicken Wings (HS, MS, JC) Chicken Drummies (PC) Curly Fries Fresh Broccoli Pineapple
Tuesday, Sept. 22 Hamburger on Bun Chips Cauliflower with Cheese Baby Carrots Grapes
Wednesday, Sept. 23 Chicken Sandwich Pasta Salad Winter Blend Celery Sticks Orange Wedges
Thursday, Sept. 24 BBQ Meatballs Mac & Cheese Steamed Peas Salad Applesauce
Friday, Sept. 25 Pizza Steamed Carrots Cucumber Slices Pears
Girls JV Tennis — Ottawa Tennis, time/ location TBD Girls Varsity Tennis — Baldwin Invitational Tournament, 8 a.m., Laury Tennis Courts Girls Varsity Golf — Spring Hill Varsity Tournament, 10 a.m., Sycamore Ridge
Thursday, Sept. 17
Girls JV Tennis — JV Quad, 3:30 p.m., Spring Hill High School Girls C-Team Volleyball at Paola — 4:30 p.m. Girls JV Volleyball at Paola — 5:30 p.m. Girls Varsity Volleyball at Paola — 6:30 p.m. Boys JV Soccer at Tonganoxie — 4:30 p.m. Boys Varsity Soccer at Tonganoxie — 6 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18
Boys Varsity Football vs. Holton — 7 p.m., Liston Stadium
Saturday, Sept. 19
Girls JV Volleyball — Louisburg JV Invitational, 8 a.m., Louisburg BHS Cross Country — Baldwin Invitational, 9 a.m., Baldwin Golf Course Girls C-Team Volleyball — Wellsville Freshmen Volleyball Tournament, 9 a.m., Wellsville High School
14 SEPTEMBER
COMMUNITY
PG. 06
September 18
EVENTS
September 23
September Third Friday Market
Pinch Pot Pumpkins: A TwoPart Pottery Workshop
September 15
September 24
Downtown Baldwin City, 6-9pm
Local Supporting Local: El Patron El Patron
Eat Local on Tuesdays to Support the Baldwin Education Foundation.
September 18
Lumberyard Arts Center, 4pm
BCBC Trivia Night
Baldwin City Beer Company, 7pm
September 25
Happy Hour
Baldwin City Distillery, 5-7pm
Live Music: Bob Freeman
Live Music: Tyler Swain
September 18
October 1
Downtown Baldwin City, 5-8pm
September 26
Baldwin City Distillery, 6-8pm
September Third Friday Market
Rooted in Hope: The Willow’s 50th Reunion
September 19
October 7
Downtown Baldwin City, 6-9pm
Garden Design 101 (Fall) Workshop Vinland Valley Nursery, 11am
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Maceli’s Banquet Hall, 6-9pm
Paint the Town Purple Parade & Pep Rally! Downtown Baldwin City, 5-8pm
TENANT EVICTION DEFENSE PILOT PROGRAM AVAILABLE Douglas County tenants facing eviction now have access to free legal consultation and representation through the Tenant Eviction Defense pilot program, which launched June 1. The program is designed to assist participants in stabilizing their housing, preventing homelessness and promoting access to clean, safe and sanitary living conditions. It is supported by the Douglas County District Court Self-Help Center in partnership with Kansas Holistic Defenders and Kansas Legal Services. The Self-Help Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday inside the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. 11th St.
Staff can be reached by email at selfhelp@ dgcoks.gov or by phone or text at 785-691-9448. Self-Help Center Director Casey Forsyth said Douglas County tenants who receive an eviction notice should attend their court date and not ignore it. Attorneys will be available at tenants’ first answer hearings. Tenants may request assistance in person at the hearing or in advance by completing the Tenant Eviction Defense application on the county website. In May, the Board of County Commissioners allocated $40,000 for the pilot program in 2026. For more information, visit dgcoks.gov/ district-court/self-help.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CALL OR TE XT F OR M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N :
CHRIS NICHOLSON
(785) 594-2100
14 SEPTEMBER
COMMUNITY ACCEPTING YOURSELF AS YOU ARE THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX By Jeanine Ross
I think one of the most challenging things we can do in this life is to see ourselves as we truly are. Not who our parents say we are or who society expects us to be or even the persona we’ve created for the world to see, but who we are under all the masks we wear, but I believe it is the most rewarding thing we can do when we do. When we find the courage to take off the masks we’ve felt forced to wear and just be who we are with all our warts, it is not only terrifying, but it is also freeing. I say it takes courage because to come face to face with yourself is to admit you are not perfect and you never will be. It means admitting you are not always right, and even when you think you are, there is still another way to look at it. It means you are more like your enemy than you ever wanted to admit, and you are capable of being just like that enemy. I can hear some of you saying, “Hold on Jeanine! I know exactly who I am and I’m a really good person that is nothing like my enemy!” Well, I hate to tell you this (not really), but if you are saying that to yourself, then you’ve convinced yourself that your persona, (the you that you created) is who you are. So let’s clear this up and offer a way for you to know the difference between the real you and the persona you’ve created for yourself. I am going to ask you three questions. If you answer yes to even one of these questions, you are not living your true and authentic self. Now be honest. You don’t have to tell anybody. It’s just you and me, and
I can’t hear you! Be as honest as you know how to be. Here we go: 1) Does your conscience beat you up sometimes? 2) Would you rather tell a little white lie than hurt somebody’s feelings? 3) Have you ever agreed with your boss even though you knew they were completely wrong, but you justified it because you really needed that promotion? 1). Your conscience only beats you up when you are not being true to yourself. 2)Most people only ask for your opinion when they trust you to tell them the truth, so a little white lie is designed to allow you to hide from your true self. 3) When you go along to get along, you are devaluing your true self and your true thoughts and beliefs. See what I mean? We spend our lives living a persona that disguises our true self, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When we speak our truth with as much kindness and compassion as lives inside us, we honor ourselves, our planet, and all of humanity. But first we have to accept that we have been hiding. Then we have to have the courage to face ourselves without judgement but with love and acceptance. And finally, and this is no small thing, we have to practice being true to ourselves every day until it becomes the most natural thing in the world to do. Accepting yourself as you are will free you and everyone who comes in contact with you, and that ultimately frees the world. It’s like the waves that start with tossing a small pebble into a still lake. It may not seem like much, but the effects go way beyond you, and the results create a better world. Start today! Be part of the solution! So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
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PG. 07
BAKER NURSING STUDENTS: COMMITTED TO COMPASSION For more than three decades, Baker University School of Nursing has been proudly housed within Stormont Vail Health, fostering a unique partnership dedicated to educating the next generation of nurses. Since 1991, this collaboration has combined academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to serve patients, families, and communities with both skill and compassion. Each semester, the School of Nursing celebrates an important milestone through its Commitment to Compassion Ceremony, a meaningful rite of passage for students entering their second semester of the nursing program. On August 18th, 34 nursing students participated in the 20th biannual ceremony, including 16 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and 18 Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. Having successfully completed their first semester of nursing education, these students are taking the next step toward becoming professional nurses. The Commitment to Compassion Ceremony gives students a sense of honor and accomplishment as they complete their first semester of the nursing curriculum and are formally welcomed into this prestigious and rewarding profession. It is a time for reflection and an opportunity to dedicate themselves to the honorable work of nursing. The ceremony serves as both a celebration and a challenge. Students are encouraged to recognize the responsibility they are assuming as future nurses and to commit themselves to providing compassionate, patientcentered care. During the event, students wear their black nursing uniforms and receive a symbolic pin representing Baker University School of Nursing and their growing commitment to the profession. The ceremony also honors the rich history of nursing education at Stormont Vail Health. Historically, the Stormont Vail School of Nursing, a diploma
program that educated nurses from 1949 to 1987, held capping ceremonies for junior- and senior-level nursing students to mark important milestones in their educational journeys. As nursing education evolved and traditional capping ceremonies became less common, Baker University School of Nursing sought a meaningful way to preserve the spirit of that rite of passage. The Commitment to Compassion Ceremony was established in January 2017, creating a modern tradition that reflects the values of the nursing profession while honoring its heritage. Since its inception, the ceremony has provided students with an opportunity to pause and reflect on the significance of their chosen profession. It recognizes the essential role nurses play in healthcare, celebrates their partnership with other healthcare professionals, and reinforces the compassion necessary to provide exceptional care. More than a ceremony, it serves as a reminder that nursing is not simply a career, but a calling grounded in service, empathy, and human connection. Behind every nursing student’s success is a dedicated team of educators and supporters. Across all Baker University School of Nursing programs, 21 faculty members and three staff members work tirelessly to mentor, guide, and prepare students for the challenges and rewards of professional practice. Their commitment helps shape future nurses who are equipped not only with clinical knowledge and technical expertise, but also with the compassion that remains at the heart of nursing. As Baker University School of Nursing continues its longstanding partnership with Stormont Vail Health, the Commitment to Compassion Ceremony remains a powerful reflection of the values that define both organizations. For these 34 students, the ceremony marks more than the completion of a semester. It represents a promise to care for others with dignity, respect, and compassion throughout their nursing careers.
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