EMI: ‘60 Years, That’s Amazing!’

Big changes are coming to TRSA’s Executive Management Institute (EMI), which marked its 60th anniversary on Aug. 14 amid a cascade of praise from students, alumni and faculty during a commencement program honoring 35 Year IV EMI students.

First, TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci announced during the program at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Hyattsville, MD, that longtime instructor and Dean Kent Baker is retiring. Second, EMI will relocate next year from the conference center just off the University of Maryland campus to a suburban Chicago conference center with resort-style amenities.

Ricci emphasized that the move was undertaken based on input from students, TRSA’s Board of Directors and others. “We are moving EMI,” he said. “I told the people here, ‘It has nothing to do with the property,’” noting that the Marriott team had done a “fantastic job.” However, after more than a decade at this location, a decision was made to locate EMI to a more central area of the U.S.

Soon after, a group of 11 Production Management Institute (PMI) students, who also did their classwork at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, proceeded to the podium to get their certificates of completion from Ricci and Samlane Ketevong, TRSA’s senior director for certification and accreditation.

An “open-mic” period followed in which Year I student Jason Zellner of Alsco Uniforms described a week that featured networking opportunities in Washington, DC, as well as learning from Baker and Year I colleague Scott Behson. “I think we all benefited from every single word that you guys had,” he said. “It was absolutely wonderful. All the people from our class really had a great week. We’re looking forward to next year.” Zellner, who is based in Wisconsin, welcomed the venue change as well. “Chicago is only a two-hour drive for me, so it’s a great choice.”

Ricci also commended Baker’s tenure at EMI, which dates to 1976. The TRSA chief aired a video featuring testimonials from several EMI alumni. They shared their positive experiences studying under Baker. In one segment, Mark Spence of ImageFIRST described how Baker balanced an easy-going personality with a disciplined outlook. He recalled how a student was skipping class to play golf, and how Baker told him not to return. “I thought, ‘Boy, this guy really means business,’” Spence said. He also addressed Baker’s positive impact, saying, “You’ve been a terrific contributor to our industry. I don’t know anybody that didn’t go through the EMI and have the same feeling, about your professionalism and your charismatic personality.” Spence commented on Baker’s longtime musical avocation as well, saying “You’re a heck of a good piano player.”

Another prominent EMI alumnus, former TRSA Chair Jim Buik, spoke during the commencement about Baker’s successful tenure educating members of the linen, uniform and facility services industry over many years. “Dr. Kent Baker, Dean Baker, is the pedigree of greatness, passion and commitment to excellence,” said Buik, who’s also president of the Roscoe Co., Chicago. “He’s always paying it forward, and he’s one of the primary reasons that EMI – it might be the reason – that EMI is the crown jewel of TRSA.” Buik further noted that Baker had a similarly positive impact on two predecessor organizations, the Institute of Industrial Launderers (IIL) and the Uniform & Textile Service Association (UTSA). Buik held leadership posts in both groups. UTSA was “blended” into TRSA in 2008. Buik closed by saying, “I truly am grateful to have learned from a renaissance man like Dr. Kent Baker and really grateful to be asked to acknowledge him this evening. Dr. Baker, thank you.”

Ricci presented Baker with a crystal glass award, along with a cake honoring the 60th anniversary of the Ehrlich-Stempler Executive Management Institute.

Outside of EMI, Buik noted that Baker has authored 229 peer-reviewed articles, 45 books and served in leadership posts at Georgetown, the University of Maryland and the American University. Shortly after his wife Linda passed away, Baker signed onto the largest individual donation ever given to the American University’s School of Education. The program now will be named the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker School of Education. In addition, Baker has consulted worldwide with leading corporations, including AT&T, Xerox and government agencies such as the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

As for his consulting work, Baker said none of it has given him more satisfaction than teaching at EMI. “Of all those programs, by far the greatest one that is most important to me was EMI,” he said. “And the reason was very simple: You … and others like you in the program. I’ve probably taught between 1,500-1,700 members at EMI over that period of time. This has never been a job for me. It’s always been a pleasure. And I’ve learned as much from you, as hopefully you have been able to learn from me.” Baker closed with thanks to all who’ve contributed to his 49-year journey with EMI.

Following Baker’s recognition, students from Years II-IV of EMI gave remarks on their experience at the institute. A total of 35 Year IV students walked across the stage and received certificates from Ricci for successfully completing the program.

TRSA would like to thank its EMI sponsors. They include Kannegiesser North America Inc., JENSEN USA, Brim Laundry Machinery Co. Inc., EllisLudell, Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc., Pellerin Milnor Corp. and SonicAire.

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