Kent Baker, who has taught at TRSA’s Executive Management Institute (EMI) since 1976 and served for many years as dean of the program, recently made the largest-ever gift from an individual to American University, according to a recent article in The Washington Post.
The university didn’t disclose the sum of the gift, but noted that it surpassed a previous record of $15 million from an individual donor. Much of the money will go toward American University’s School of Education, which will be renamed the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker School of Education, in honor of Baker and his late wife, who passed away in March 2024.
In the article, Baker said his plan was to give everything in his will to his wife. After her death, he decided to rewrite his estate plan to make the donation to AU. “It was the best way I thought I could honor her and affect the university positively for decades to come,” Baker said.
Baker, 80, a finance professor, has taught at American University since the 1970s and earned four degrees from AU, including three from its School of Education. His late wife also attended and worked at American.
To read the full article, click here.
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