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Postwar & Contemporary

William Edwards Stevenson

Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland

Marker Inscription

William Edwards Stevenson, president of Oberlin College and later of the Aspen Humanities Institute, as well as ambassador to the Philippines. When young, a Rhodes Scholar and Olympic Gold Medalist

Erected by Bolton Hill Historic District

The Story

William Edwards Stevenson packed several careers into one life: Olympic gold medalist and Rhodes Scholar in his youth, later president of Oberlin College, head of the Aspen humanities institute, and U.S. ambassador to the Philippines. His path traced the ideals of scholarship, athletics, and public service.

Why it matters

Stevenson exemplified the mid-20th-century American faith in liberal education and international service as complementary callings.

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Related people

  • · William Edwards Stevenson

Themes & tags

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