DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD GIVEN POSTHUMOUSLY

During his life, Richard C. (Dick) Baker was passionate and committed to living his faith, a faith that fostered his interest in and support of theological education. In March 2001, Baker died in an automobile accident. A year later, at a dinner and reception attended by the seminary's faculty, board of directors, foundation trustees, alumni board, and many donors and friends, Baker's widow, Joan, and their children accepted the seminary's Distinguished Service Award on his behalf.

From 1985-94, Baker served on the seminary's board of directors. An attorney, he brought commitment, dedication, intelligence, and clarity of thought to the board and its work. During his lifetime, Baker was a generous and thoughtful patron of the seminary. In presenting the award, President James Kenneth Echols noted that the award is selected by the board of directors, an indication of the high regard in which Baker was held by his board colleagues.

Two current board members, Steven Youngdahl and Richard Hoefs, also spoke about Baker's life and commitment to the seminary's mission of preparing pastors and leaders for the church. Youngdahl, Baker's pastor at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, succeeded Baker when he retired from the board.

In accepting the award, Joan Baker spoke of her husband's special connection to the seminary's faculty, especially Joseph Sittler. During their friendship, Baker collected letters and other writings from Sittler, which the Baker family is giving to the seminary, Mrs. Baker announced. Mrs. Baker is continuing her husband's commitment to the seminary and is the newest member of the foundation's board of trustees.