Dr. David Baker Endowed Funds

David Baker retired from full-time teaching at Denison at the end of the 2021 academic year, and to honor his distinguished career, a generous donor has established three funds that will have an ongoing impact on the university. Two of these — geared toward poetry and creative writing students — are part of a matching fund initiative.

First is the Dr. David Baker Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will grant a substantial amount of financial aid to an incoming student who has shown promise in poetry or creative writing. Income from this endowment will be used to provide need-based student financial aid or merit-based scholarships.

With the second, the Dr. David Baker Endowed Fund for Experiential Learning, the faculty will identify students who would benefit from opportunities like writers’ conferences, research support, internships at literary magazines, and other related experiences.

“What a great and lucky thing to be able to provide two expansive new opportunities for Denison students of poetry and creative writing, in perpetuity,” Baker said. “I’m excited to imagine how poetry may continue to flourish and grow at Denison.”

The lead donor for these funds also has made a challenge grant. Each dollar up to $50,000 contributed by alumni, families, and friends will be matched, helping to ensure that student poets and creative writers at Denison will be supported for many decades to come.

Thank you for making your gift in honor of Dr. Baker today!