Donations in Action

Dr. Karl Krawitz, '72, and Pattie (Gallagher) Krawitz, '73, of Overland Park, Kan., are Baker graduates who are solid supporters, donors and promoters of the University.

Pattie Gallagher came from Long Island, New York, on the recommendation of her high school physical education teacher. Karl Krawitz came from North Plainfield, New Jersey, to experience life away from home and to prove to his father that he could make it at college. He also had a passion to play football. Little did they know that they would meet their future spouse at the small but distinguished Baker University on the Kansas plains. Today, Pattie and Karl look back fondly at their time at Baker and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for their alma mater.

"Baker has meant so much to us in many ways, which are sometimes hard to describe. But we both know that without the opportunity Baker provided and the great people we encountered there, we don't believe we would have been as successful as we are today," comments both Pattie and Karl. "In addition to the education and individuals, Baker's reputation and solid tradition opened doors for us in our professional lives." Pattie is with the Olathe Public Schools in Olathe, Kan., after 32 years. Karl is a former principal of the Shawnee Mission West High School and retired after 32 years in public education. He has recently returned to his alma mater and joined Baker as an assistant professor in the School of Education.

Pattie and Karl are honored members of the President's Club through their annual support of the Baker Fund. They recognize the significant role the Baker Fund plays in ensuring that the University fulfills its mission on a daily basis. In addition, the Krawitzes have pledged a major gift in support of the renovation and expansion of Mulvane Hall to further advance the sciences at Baker. "Both Pattie and I spent many hours in classes in Mulvane. Pattie was taking science classes for her major in physical education. For me, Biology was my major," Karl says.

Giving is a family tradition. Pattie says that "our parents believed in the principle of contributing not just with money but with a labor of love." Karl and Pattie know that their monetary gifts can have a positive effect on the lives of young people because they experienced it themselves when they were Baker students.

Together Pattie and Karl exemplify a Baker tradition: a top-level collegiate experience, long and successful careers, lifelong connections with their alma mater and generous giving back to the University that played a vital role in their lives.

Thank you, Pattie and Karl, for your commitment to advancing Baker for future generations.

See how the generosity of our donors has made a difference in the lives of Baker students and faculty.