Baker Proud Summer 2018 - 2

BAKER PROUD | Summer 2018

A Message from
Dr. Murray
Dear alumni and friends,
It is a great honor to celebrate with you the 160th anniversary of Baker University. As Board of
Trustees member the Rev. Dr. Ira DeSpain said in his Founders Day speech, "We have a long and
storied history that we build upon every day."
And, we take that work seriously. Which is why I am thrilled to announce the launch of Forever
Orange: The Campaign for Baker University. This $20 million campaign is one of the most
ambitious fundraising efforts in our history. We will raise funds to support merit-based and needsbased student scholarships. We will support faculty excellence by funding professorships and
innovative programming that advances the mission of Baker, and we will fund technology and capital
enhancements.
Our story is far from over. We will continue to celebrate the accomplishments of alumni like those
featured in this issue of the Proud, who personify our mission and serve as an inspiration to us all,
especially to this generation of Baker students. By joining us in Forever Orange, you will give students
access to an exceptional educational experience and one that will prepare them for successful careers
and significant, impactful lives.
Over the next several months you will receive additional information about the campaign, events, and
ways to participate. I invite you to visit the campaign website, bakerU.edu/ForeverOrange, to learn
more about it and ways that you may show your support.
I want to sincerely thank the Board of Trustees for their leadership, especially Chairman Gordon
Lansford, III, '93, as well as our inspiring campaign cochairs: trustee Gary Sollars, '71; Connie
(Mangun) Sollars, '72; Murray Blackwelder, '69; and Diane (Wilson) Blackwelder, '70.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our newest national champion: Lucas
Lovvorn, who won the 174-pound bracket at the NAIA National Wrestling Championships in March.
And congratulations to the softball team on its first trip to the NAIA national tournament in May! I
know that former trustee Emmalie (Gessner) Cowherd, '61, who started the softball program in
1976 and recently passed away, would have been so proud of these Wildcats. You can read more about
her accomplishments and service to Baker on page 26. Her support of the university and the softball
program over the years laid the foundation for this success.
As we celebrate our first 160 years, we look forward to building a strong foundation so that we may
celebrate many, many more.
Forever Orange,

Dr. Lynne Murray

http://www.bakerU.edu/ForeverOrange

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Baker Proud Summer 2018