The Judge William and Patricia Baird Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Judge William and Patricia Baird Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in July 2004 in celebration of Judge William Baird’s lifelong career and retirement as judge of the Ninth District Court of Appeals. Together with his wife, Patricia Hummel Baird, the scholarship was established to assist students in the School of Law at The University of Akron. Because of his affiliations in the Akron area and the couple’s friendships and acquaintances, they share a passion for the School of Law and, therefore, wanted to contribute their support in this manner.

Judge William Baird and Patricia Hummel Baird attended Buchtel High School. Judge Baird received a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, Mass., in 1956. Mrs. Baird received a bachelor’s degree in 1958 from the College of Business Administration at The University of Akron. She worked for the County Prosecutor’s Office, which is where the two met and began their life together.

Judge Baird graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Juris Doctorate in 1959 and began his career in private practice. Soon thereafter in 1960, he joined the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and in 1966 became the law director for the city of Akron. On January 1, 1977, he took a seat as Common Pleas judge after winning the 1976 election. His devotion to public service continued and reached a milestone when on January 3, 1983, he became a judge on the Ninth District Court of Appeals for the state of Ohio. The Judge also served a term as councilman for then-Fairlawn Village from 1960-65.

Judge Baird’s 2004 retirement marked an end to a successful career. Yet, his retirement has very little to do with rest and relaxation. In 1997, Judge and Mrs. Baird began breeding and raising alpacas at their property in Copley, Ohio. With the establishment of Wolf Creek Alpacas, the couple has devoted their free time and love to the care of as many as 25 alpacas at one time. The fleece from their alpacas yields uniquely soft yarn and is in growing demand in the worldwide fiber market because of its natural beauty.

The Judge William and Patricia Baird Endowed Scholarship Fund shall be awarded by the Scholarship Committee and the dean of The School of Law. Scholarship awards can be used for tuition, books, or other expenses. Judge and Mrs. Baird are pleased to be in a position to assist law students who are pursing their dream of practicing law.