CHRIS BAYMILLER UNPLUGGED By Jeff Hagan ’86 | Photograph by Yevgen Gulenko for OAM Chris Baymiller ’71 began working at Oberlin College’s student union in 1982, follow- ing a career that included stints as a police officer and air traffic controller (he was among the 11,000 union members fired by President Reagan in 1981). As associate director of the student union, Baymiller was the grown-up presence in Wilder Hall after dark, but he always kept a close connection to students, including musicians and patrons of the ’Sco (aka Dionysus Disco), which was under his purview. A restless soul, Baymiller’s faith and facial hair have changed notably over the years: When he was Krishna curious, he let the group bring a cow to Wilder Bowl; he is now a sub deacon in the Orthodox Christian Church. After more than 30 years on the job, Baymiller is retiring—a bit ahead of schedule— and will be taking care of his wife, Paula Baymiller ’75, who is struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. We sent him a questionnaire as a sort of exit interview. Those who know him might be a little shocked by some of his answers. 26