Thomas & Laurie Baker Memorial Scholarship

After a 33-year career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, the final 20 of which were as partner and then managing partner of the Buffalo office, Tom Baker became the first paid executive director of the Oishei Foundation. During Tom’s tenure from 1997 to 2007, the Oishei Foundation paid out nearly $120 million in grants. One small grant eventually made a big impact – $100,000 that helped to create the High Street Corridor, the original name for what would become the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. He was a builder of collaboration, often bringing together different community organizations at a time when many were hesitant to do so.
Mr. Baker was also the first chairman of the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority and a board member of First Niagara Financial Group Inc. and its banking subsidiary, First Niagara Bank N.A., before retiring in 2015.

Laurie Baker was a fierce mental health advocate. She received her first associate’s degree from Cazenovia College in 1964. A lifelong learner, she returned to school in her 40s and earned her second associate’s degree in early childhood development from Trocaire College.

Laurie’s volunteer efforts included serving as President of the Board of Directors of the Leukemia Society and as the Vice Chair of the Mental Health Association of Erie County. She received benefactor awards from both organizations and the Compeer Western New York Vision Award.

This scholarship is created to honor and memorialize Thomas and Laurie Baker and to help those SUNY Erie Community College students in financial need.

ELIGIBILITY:
1. Matriculated in Early Childhood or ANY Health Sciences
2. Minimum GPA 3.0
3. Essay: Why I entered my field of study and the impact I hope to make in my chosen field.
4. Preference: student in a racial/ethnic group that is traditionally underrepresented.
5. Preference: student with financial need

Preference is given to students who were previously awarded this scholarship and are continuing at SUNY Erie for the upcoming semester.