Dick Bailey played football and ran track at Oberlin College back in the early 1950s, but made a lasting impact on Oberlin College Athletics long after his playing days. Bailey had modest athletic abilities, but understood the extraordinary growth that came with pursuing athletic excellence, physical fitness, and overall wellness. That growth inspired him to give back to Oberlin in many ways. In 2008, the Alumni Association selected him for its highest honor – the Alumni Medal. He refused the recognition because he was modest, continuing to support his alma mater quietly. Bailey served as the President of the Class of 1951, was on the Executive Board of the Alumni Council, and was the treasurer of the John W. Heisman Club. Along with his brothers, David and Doug, he established the Walter King Bailey Scholarship Fund in honoring of their father, a former Oberlin College trustee. In regards to athletics, Bailey has helped fund the climbing wall, webcasts of all varsity athletic contests, and the natural grass soccer and lacrosse field here at Oberlin. In the fall of 2014, the athletic department dedicated Bailey Field, an artificial turf field in the Austin E. Knowlton Athletics Complex. Dick, who supported Oberlin for 60 years, passed away in May of 2013.
