Baker receives $3.4 million gift from Marty Mather

Baker University received a $3.4 million gift from Martha “Marty” Mather, a generous supporter and benefactor. The gift is the largest single donation by a living donor to the university.

“Marty’s generosity and commitment to the students and to Baker University are unparalleled,” said Dr. Lynne Murray, Baker University president. “From her time as a student through now, Marty’s unwavering dedication to seeing each new class of Baker students succeed is something for which I, and countless alumni, are truly thankful.”

Mather’s gift is the latest signifier of her longstanding connection to Baker. As an undergraduate in the 1940s, Mather was a member of Phi Mu sorority and has been a dedicated member of the university community in the years since. In August 2017, Mather became the first Lifetime Legacy Award recipient during the Baker University President’s Club ceremony. At the commencement ceremony in May 2017, Mather was recognized with an honorary degree for her outstanding support of the university.

“With this gift, Marty is making a legendary and transformational impact on Baker University,” said Danielle Jones Rease, chief of staff for Office of the President and Office of Development and Alumni Relations. “Each and every student that walks on Baker’s campus for decades to come will benefit from Marty’s immeasurable kindness.”

A community leader and philanthropist, Mather resides in Olathe, Kansas, and has been active in her work with the Church of the Resurrection as well as the United Methodist annual conference.

Baker is ranked the No. 1 private university in Kansas by U.S. News & World Report, known for building leaders in education, business, health care, and more. Since 1858, Baker University has provided education for traditional and nontraditional students through small classes, innovative instructors, and rigorous course work. Fortune 500 CEOs, New York Times best-selling authors, and Super Bowl champions all proudly claim Baker, the first university in Kansas, as their alma mater.