TO OUR EARS

Gary Baker said his favorite course to teach wasIntroduction to Finance because it “taught students greatlife lessons.” Colleague Jim Eck, a former professor offinance at Washburn, said students enjoy Baker becauseof his confidence, sense of humor and smile.“I took a senior-level class a year early because I knew hewas retiring.”Baker’s 40-year commitment to Washburn is a reflectionof his belief in education and what it can do for a person. Hebacked up his commitment by creating the Professor GaryBaker Finance & Economics Scholarship for Washburnstudents and supporting the university in many other ways.“I created the scholarship to show my own children andgrandchildren that education is important,” said Baker, whohas four children and 10 grandchildren. “My family is myproudest accomplishment, and education got them wherethey are today.”Outside of the classroom, Baker worked extensively withlongtime professor of finance Jim Eck. They created twoconsulting firms, researched and wrote dozens of publishedjournal articles, wrote two books, taught continuingeducation courses and regularly testified in court aseconomic experts. Their work made Washburn known ona national and international level, as lawyers in all 50 statesand five countries retained them for their economic expertise.In retirement, Baker plans to continue consulting andupdating his books.“When he would testify, he could really get the attentionof the jury because of his personality,” Eck said. “He carriedthat over into the classroom. The students really like himbecause of his confidence, sense of humor and smile – it’svery infectious.”TEACHING AWARDS1979 – Merit Teaching Award1980 – Faculty Certificate of Merit1993 – Ned Fleming Excellence in Teaching Award1998 – Outstanding Contribution to “Business4023811and Economic Society International”2005 – John and Betty Dicus Excellence inTeaching Award2010 – Student Life Achieving Excellence Award2013 – Washburn Alumni Association Col. JohnRitchie AwardSOME AREAS OFWASHBURN PHILANTHROPY• Professor Gary Baker Finance & EconomicsScholarship• Washburn University Football Suite Fund• Washburn University Memorial Fund• Trees Project Fund• Ichabod Athletics Scholarship Fund• Washburn Alumni Association• School of Business Dean’s Fund for Excellence• Billie Jean Bergmann Business Scholarship FundBY THE NUMBERSYEARS OFTEACHINGSTATES IN WHICHPRESENTATIONSWERE MADEFOREIGN COUNTRIES INWHICH PRESENTATIONSWERE MADESABBATICALSEMESTERSEMESTER HE DIDN'TTEACH NIGHT CLASSESCampus News 24