DONOR STORY
Inspiring Minds, Healing Hearts:
The Baker's Dedication to Education and Nursing
Bill Baker ’68 in his senior yearbook photo.
On a blistering hot August afternoon in 1964, William “Bill” Baker ’68 stepped off the train with several of his new classmates in rural Dade City, FL, to start their journey at Saint Leo College. Little did he know that this would be the place where he would gain valuable knowledge and experience, make lifelong friends, and meet his first wife, Lorraine.
Seeing how the campus has changed, Bill fondly remembers the days when he and his classmates had to create their own fun. The faculty and staff of the college made each student feel like more than just a number. Reflecting back on one of his most challenging college experiences, Bill recalls an assignment given to him by Dr. James Horgan. This assignment challenged Bill to do his own research, think critically, and develop his own opinions. Applying these skills has helped Bill stay above the fray and exceed in tough situations.
Bill Baker with his fraternity (bottom row, second to the right, kneeling).
Those who have had the pleasure of working with Bill would describe him as a leader who is passionate about service, generosity, and education. Bill gave 40 years of his life in public service which took him all over the globe, where his talent and expertise developed further.
Bill Baker received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.
After graduation, Bill joined the U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart, and was medically retired as a captain. Bill then became a stockbroker in Palm Beach, FL. While the economy struggled in the early ’70s, Bill decided to advance his career by studying for graduate school while working for Marriott Hotels. He then took a position with the government that brought him from the submarine base in New London all the way to Germany, where he spent 13 years overseeing revenue-producing businesses owned and operated by the Army. From there he moved to Texas, where he had the pleasure of meeting many Saint Leo alumni, forming bonds over their shared experience. While at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, Texas, Bill served as Director of Fleet and Family Support, serving a large number of people living on base, streamlining services and helping to improve the overall quality of life for service members and their families. In 1998, Bill received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, honoring his years of leadership and service to members of the armed forces and their families.
Bill '68 and Theresa Baker
Even after a long career in public service, Bill’s passions remain the same as he continues to look for new ways to share his experiences and give back some of what he has been blessed to earn. Bill believes that “education can move people out of tough situations.” With this in mind, Bill established the Lorraine White Baker ’69 Endowed Scholarship, honoring his late wife and providing funds to individuals who have demonstrated financial need and are pursuing degrees in education or religion. In addition, Bill established the Baker Family Endowed Scholarship in honor of his parents, supporting active-duty military, veterans, and first responders. Bill funded these scholarships by making annual gifts and including Saint Leo University in his estate plans through a bequest. These scholarships help students achieve their goals while relieving some of their financial burdens.
Bill gets such joy from knowing he’s helping single mothers, struggling families, and other deserving recipients of the scholarships he’s funded.
“Every time I give to Saint Leo, I get paid back in different ways,” Bill said.
Bill’s reward is seeing students finish their degrees and take their talents into the real world. That spirit of generosity passes from those who give to those who receive, inspiring the recipients to make the most out of the opportunity they’ve been given.
Recently, Bill's life took on a new chapter when he married Theresa, a lifelong healthcare provider in the nursing field. Theresa's dedication to healthcare and passion for nurturing and educating others led her to establish the inaugural scholarship for the brand-new nursing program at Saint Leo University, the Theresa Ann Baker Endowed Scholarship. Together, Bill and Theresa are proud to contribute to the education and training of future nurses, enabling them to make a difference in the lives of countless patients.
Bill and Theresa now reside in Arkansas, where they continue to support causes close to their hearts. The Benedictine values instilled in Bill during his time at St Leo’s have led him and Theresa to enroll in the Oblate program at St. Scholastica Monastery in Ft. Smith, AR. Despite their busy lives, Bill remains an active member of the alumni board of directors, cherishing the connection to his alma mater and the opportunity to engage with the university's community.
The legacy of Bill and Theresa's philanthropy and dedication to education will continue to impact generations of students, and their contributions will forever be a beacon of hope and opportunity for those seeking to better themselves through knowledge and compassion.
You, too, can honor yourself or a loved one by making a memorial gift to Saint Leo University. To learn how you can make a similar impact, contact us at (352) 588-8450 or by email at development@saintleo.edu. We can provide you with some valuable information about giving through your estate plan and help you fulfill your philanthropic wishes.
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