Hiram in Portage County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Oliver Plaza
Dedicated May 5, 2000
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2021
1. The Oliver Plaza Marker
This plaza is dedicated with affection and appreciation to G. Benjamin Oliver, Ph.D. 19th president of Hiram College and to his wife, Paula.
The Oliver Presidency (1989-2000) left an extraordinary legacy at Hiram College. Buildings constructed, renovated, or restored during this time include the Library, the Esther and Carl Gerstacker Science Hall, the Hiram Inn, Bowler Hall, and Booth-Centennial Halls. New gifts helped to triple the size of the College endowment. A comprehensive campaign the College's first in more than 20 years secured over $42 million to enhance the academic program.
The Hiram College Board of Trustees, its members and spouses, funded construction of this plaza as a lasting tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Oliver. It stands as a permanent expression of gratitude for the vision, leadership, and friendship the Olivers brought to the institution.
Erected 2000.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education.
Location. 41° 18.659′ N, 81° 8.705′ W. Marker is in Hiram, Ohio, in Portage County. It can be reached from the intersection
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Circa 1900 (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Lives Matter installation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Hiram College Arboretum (about 300 feet away); The Paul E. Martin Common (about 400 feet away); Bessie Coleman (about 500 feet away); Andrew Squire Homestead Site (about 500 feet away); Hiram College (about 500 feet away);
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2021
2. The Oliver Plaza Marker
The marker is on the south wall of Oliver Plaza, on the east side of Gerstacker Science Hall.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 2021
3. Oliver Plaza
Looking west; Gerstacker Science Hall is in the background. The marker is visible beside the bench on the far left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 18, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
