Baker Proud Fall 2017 - 2

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BAKER PROUD | Fall 2017

A Message from
Dr. Murray
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Baker has experienced a momentous and exciting year so far. As you'll see on the following pages, we're
celebrating climbing enrollment numbers, outstanding athletic accomplishments, and stories of success
and healing. These stories remind us of the strength of our community, a strength that collectively
personifies Baker University. When our peer reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission visited
us last spring, they noted this, saying that there is a special feeling at Baker that is defined by the
determination and grit of its people. They couldn't be more right.
The successes we've experienced heading into this fall are attributed to those in our community who
never give up. Those, who, like our Methodist founders, believe in the vision of Baker University as a
premier private university built on academic excellence and student engagement in a respectful and
values-based learning community.
This fall we welcomed one of the largest incoming classes in Baker history, and we're thrilled to watch
these students flourish and then graduate in 2021, becoming proud Baker alumni. In addition, we
introduced three new majors on the Baldwin City Campus-health humanities, public health, and
recreation-and a Doctor of Education in Instructional Design and Performance Technology in the School
of Education. We are excited to offer these in-demand programs to our growing student population, and we
thank our alumni for spreading the news to family and friends.
Over the summer, we worked across campuses to upgrade our facilities. Whether studying in Overland
Park, Topeka, Wichita, or Baldwin City, our students will benefit from new technologies and innovative
and interactive learning spaces. One of our most significant improvements has been to Rice Auditorium,
and we were pleased to re-open its doors and welcome the Baker community to our Convocation
ceremony on October 17.
These renovations and investments in academic programs would not be possible without the private
support from our alumni and friends. It was a true honor for me to welcome this year's Convocation
speaker, Mr. Bob Carr, CEO and president of the Give Something Back Foundation. During the ceremony,
Mr. Carr presented Baker University with a $1 million gift to be used for scholarships for first-generation
college students. Mr. Carr's story is one of grit, a triumphant comeback story that spans both his personal
and business life. It is his dream to provide educational opportunities to young people who may not
otherwise be able to attend college. As a first-generation college student myself, who benefited from
financial assistance, I believe strongly in creating these opportunities for young people.
As we progress into the academic year, I am heartened as I witness our students making connections and
taking advantage of all that Baker has to offer: faculty and staff who inspire and challenge them in their
academic and personal growth, alumni who guide and mentor them and open doors, and new friendships
that will last a lifetime. Our students are supported by the strength of the Baker community, and it is
because of this that we remain always and forever Baker Proud.
Sincerely,

Dr. Lynne Murray
Baker President



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Baker Proud Fall 2017

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http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/bakp/Summer2019
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/bakp/Summer2018
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/bakp/Fall2017
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/bakp/Spring2017
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/bakp/fall2016
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/bakp/spring2016
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/bakp/fall2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/allen/bakp/spring2015
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com