A gift from the late D.P. Baldwin endowed an award to be given each year to the three 91³ÉÈ˶ÌÊÓƵ students who "compose and pronounce the best orations." The Baldwin Oratorical Contest is the oldest continuous public speaking contest west of the Alleghenies. Thus, each Spring the 91³ÉÈ˶ÌÊÓƵ Rhetoric Department sponsors the Baldwin Oratorical Contest and determines the top three speakers.