The Pinnacle Award is won each year by the class who has achieved the highest percentage of participation from classmates donating to the Baker Fund. Particularly in class reunion years, the alumni tradition of giving is enhanced by the competition among classes for the Pinnacle Award.

Note that this is only for participation levels, and not focused on the total amount raised. Every gift makes a difference in its own right and helps to inspire other donors. For the Pinnacle Award, it is the gesture of giving that counts. The level of alumni participation is an indicator of the value they place on their Baker experience - then as well as now. It is a gauge by which alumni support for Baker as a whole is measured. Broad-based participation by alumni in the Baker Fund also plays a major role in encouraging large donors, who see that others are making similar efforts.