A dedication was held in Waynesburg University’s Benedum Dining Hall for The Baily Room Tuesday, Nov. 5, as a part of the University’s ongoing 175th Anniversary celebration.
Formerly known as the Benedum Glass Room, the space was renamed The Baily Room after a generous donation to the 175 Years of Light Fundraising Initiative by Mr. Charles R. “Chuck” Jr. and Mrs. Shirley R. Baily. The Baily Room is also in honor of the Baily family’s commitment to Waynesburg University and its students for more than a century.
Family and friends of the Bailys were in attendance along with University administration, faculty, staff and students.
Chuck’s connection to the University spans generations. His two grandfathers received their degrees from Waynesburg College, and his grandfather, Richard L. Baily, and father, Charles R. Baily Sr., also served as chairmen of the Board of Trustees.
In 1973, Chuck and Shirley became residence hall directors for Martin Hall in conjunction with a college ministry, the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO), where they served for three years. During that time, their first son, David, was born.
Afterwards, Chuck began working with his father at their family’s agency, Baily Insurance Agency, in Waynesburg, and Shirley began teaching within the University’s Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics. She remained an instructor, both in part-time and full-time capacities, for 25 years.
Over the years, their Waynesburg roots have continued to grow, as their oldest and youngest sons, David (’98) and Tim (’03), have become alumni. David also serves as a member of the University’s Alumni Council, along with Tim’s wife, Alexa (MA ’21), who is an alumna and part-time instructor. David, Tim and Chuck and Shirley’s middle son, Mike, continue the family’s legacy at Baily Insurance Agency. Mike’s wife, Cari (’00), is also an alumna of the University.
Chuck and Shirley have remained generous supporters of the University throughout their lives and have dedicated much of their time to engaging with students on campus. They and other family members have continued to be strong financial supporters of The Richard L. Baily Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was created in 1992 by Richard’s wife and three children to benefit graduates of Carmichaels Area High School and honor Chuck’s grandfather’s lifelong friendship with former President Paul R. “Prexy” Stewart and Waynesburg College.
175 Years of Light
The year 2024 marks Waynesburg University’s 175th Anniversary. The theme of the year-long celebration, “175 Years of Light,” focuses on honoring the University’s mission as well as its motto, “fiat lux,” or “let there be light.” This milestone year is a time for reflection, but also a time for great anticipation as the WU community together looks forward to the next 175 years while celebrating generations of students, faculty and staff pursuing lives of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.
