A scholarship has been established in memory of Bill Baldwin for Forest Resources/Wood Science
students at Pennsylvania State University. Baldwin, who spent 30 years
advocating treated wood
and supporting its proper use, died in early July in a fire while on company business.
The scholarship will provide an incentive to students studying in the same
program that he completed.
Called the Bill Baldwin Memorial Scholarship in Wood Products, the number of
awards and the amount
of each will be determined by the College of Agricultural Sciences Scholarship
and Awards Committee
upon recommendations of the School of Forest Resources Director. Dave Webb, a
long-time colleague of Bill's,
organized the scholarship effort. "This scholarship serves two worthwhile
purposes," said Webb. "It honors Bill
for his contribution to wood preservation, and it will help promising
students start careers in forest products.
We hope that some of those students may one day provide our industry
with dedication and sound judgment
like Bill did."
William J. Baldwin earned a bachelor's of science degree in Forest
Science from Penn State. Following an M.B.A.
from Duquesne and service in the U. S. Navy, Bill was hired
by the R&D Department of Koppers Company.
With Koppers and its successor companies (Hickson Corporation and Arch
Wood Protection), Bill spent three
decades in the wood preservation industry. Bill was extremely well-liked and respected - by his co-workers, his
company's customers, trade association staffs, and even competitors.
At the time of his death, he was Vice
President of Operations and Environment, Health & Safety for Arch Wood
Protection, Inc. Earlier he held positions
in R&D, production, and sales, and he served in numerous industry organizations.
It is perhaps in this last area where Bill's intelligence, logical thinking,
and judgment were most valuable. He spent
many hours with wood preservation companies, trade associations, and
government agencies, working to improve
the wood treating industry. He wrote technical papers, helped devise
research projects, conferred with EPA personnel,
co-authored Best Management Practices, and dealt with legal issues.
In doing so, he looked out for his own company's
interests but only in the context of what was right for
preserved wood and best for the public.
Bill was an active member of the International Research Group on
Wood Preservation, Western Wood Preservers Institute,
American Chemistry Council, Chromium Coalition, and the American
Wood-Preservers' Association. He served on the
boards of the American Wood Preservers Institute and Treated Wood Council.
In addition to his dedication to his job, Bill was an outgoing,
friendly guy who enjoyed life. He was professional when the
occasion called for considered action, and fun-loving when work
was done. He was quick to dress up for costume parties,
and did not go thirsty when the bar was open. He was also a devoted
family man (his daughter, Erin, will be the administrator
for the scholarship fund).
Contributions should be made out to Penn State University with a memo
that the contribution is for the Bill Baldwin
Scholarship Fund.
Mail to:
College of Agricultural Sciences Development Office
The Pennsylvania State University
232 Ag Admin Bldg.
University Park, PA 16802
Questions: Telephone 814-863-1373
