2018 Family Heritage Award
Baldwin Wallace recognizes and honors those distinguished families who, throughout generations, have provided many years of faithful and loyal service to Baldwin Wallace University. One family is honored annually at Alumni Encore.
The Dettmer-Halley Family includes six BW graduates:
Marijane Hiller Halley '60
William Halley '60
Linda Lutz Dettmer '64
James (Jim) Dettmer '67
Jody Dettmer Halley '92
Jeff Dettmer '94
Mighty in impact, the Dettmer-Halley Family's connection to Baldwin Wallace began in 1956 and continues today with its youngest generation's participation in the BW Community Music School. In addition to those family members who graduated from BW, Jim's mother, Louise Dettmer, and Linda's mother, Coletta Lutz Knight, served the institution in staff positions in the Registrar's Office and Ritter Library respectively, for many years. Also, Jeff's wife, Kim McBriarty Dettmer, worked in the Student Activities and Residence Life Office from 1997-2004.
Collectively, the family supports BW students through volunteerism and philanthropy, opening doors for the university and assisting in recruiting students. Jim, Linda, Jody, and Jeff serve on BW's Alumni Council, including in officer roles. Jim and Linda each served as Reunion Ambassadors for their respective Golden Reunions. Additionally, each year for many years running, Jim and Jeff have volunteered to drive their historic 1930 Ford Model A truck in the BW Homecoming Parade.
On June 14, 1964, Jim arrived home in Berea, discharged from his four-year Air Force commitment and in time to see Linda receive her BW diploma. They married the next week and immediately Jim started his Baldwin Wallace studies, graduating in 1967. BW campus life played a major role in their early married life and both were able to attend BW because of the tuition remission program. They have been very grateful to the college for this “gift” and made a personal commitment to support Baldwin Wallace with their time and financial commitment. A college fund for their children followed.