Introduction
Baker University, located in Baldwin City, Kansas, is a private liberal arts university that has been serving students since 1858. Over the years, the university has developed a rich history and culture, with several unique features and achievements that set it apart from other institutions of higher learning. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about Baker University that you may not have known.
Fun facts about Baker University
Baker’s Mascot: The Wildcat
Baker University’s mascot is the wildcat. While many universities and colleges have wildcats as their mascots, Baker’s wildcat has a unique history. In 1927, the university’s football team was set to play the University of Kansas. At that time, the University of Kansas had a live mascot, a real-life Jayhawk named “Big Jay.” To match the University of Kansas’ mascot, Baker’s coach purchased a live wildcat from a circus, and “Benny the Wildcat” was born.
Since then, the wildcat has been a symbol of Baker’s athletic prowess and spirit. Baker has won over 80 conference championships and numerous individual national titles, making it one of the most successful athletic programs in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
The Osbourne Memorial Chapel
One of the most iconic buildings on Baker University’s campus is the Osbourne Memorial Chapel. Built-in 1964, the chapel is named after John E. Osbourne, a prominent Baldwin City businessman and philanthropist who donated funds for its construction. The chapel’s design is based on a 13th-century English parish church and features Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and a 49-bell carillon.
The Osbourne Memorial Chapel serves as a hub for religious and spiritual life on campus, hosting weekly chapel services, concerts, weddings, and other events. The carillon is played regularly, and the chapel is open to the public for tours.
The Baldwin City Signal Tower Museum
Baker University is home to the Baldwin City Signal Tower Museum, which is located on the university’s campus. The museum is housed in a 50-foot-tall signal tower that was built in 1906 and was once part of a railway signal system that spanned the country. The tower was decommissioned in 1933 and fell into disrepair until it was purchased by Baker University in 1974.
Today, the museum houses exhibits that showcase the history of Baldwin City and its surrounding areas, including artifacts from the Santa Fe Trail, Native American culture, and the city’s railroad history. Visitors can climb to the top of the signal tower for a panoramic view of Baldwin City and the surrounding countryside.
Baker’s Faculty Members
Baker University has a faculty of over 100 members, all of whom hold advanced degrees in their fields of study. Many of the faculty members have published books, conducted groundbreaking research, and received national and international recognition for their contributions to their respective fields.
One of Baker’s most notable faculty members is Dr. Maryemma Graham, a renowned scholar of African American literature and founder of the Project on the History of Black Writing. Dr. Graham has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Toni Morrison Society.
The Ivan L. Boyd Center for Collaborative Science Education
Baker University’s Ivan L. Boyd Center for Collaborative Science Education is a state-of-the-art facility that houses the university’s science programs. The center was completed in 2019 and features cutting-edge technology, including a planetarium, an observatory, and advanced laboratory equipment.
The center’s mission is to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and to foster collaborative research among faculty and students. The center also hosts public events and workshops on science-related topics and serves as a resource for the surrounding community.
The Baker Orange
The Baker Orange is Baker University’s student-run newspaper. The newspaper has been in publication since 1870 and is one of the oldest student-run newspapers in the United States. The Baker Orange covers campus news, sports, and events, as well as local and national news.
In addition to its print publication, The Baker Orange also has a website that features news and opinion articles, as well as podcasts and videos. The newspaper provides valuable hands-on experience for students interested in journalism and media.
The Quayle Bible Collection
Baker University is home to the Quayle Bible Collection, one of the largest collections of Bibles and biblical literature in the United States. The collection was donated to the university in 1944 by Dr. and Mrs. S. R. Quayle, and it includes over 4,000 volumes.
The Quayle Bible Collection features Bibles in over 400 languages and dialects, as well as manuscripts, early printed Bibles, and works of biblical scholarship. The collection is open to the public and is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history of the Bible.
The “Baker Wild”
The “Baker Wild” is a yearly event that takes place during the university’s homecoming week. The event features a parade, carnival, and other activities, culminating in a bonfire and pep rally. The “Baker Wild” is a celebration of the university’s spirit and community and brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Baldwin City community.
Conclusion
Baker University is a unique institution with a rich history and culture. From its iconic buildings and landmarks to its successful athletic program and renowned faculty members, Baker has much to offer students and the surrounding community. Whether you’re interested in history, science, journalism, or spirituality, Baker University has something for everyone.