St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ has recently announced the recipient of its first-ever President's Award for Staff Excellence. The award, which includes a cash prize of $2000, recognizes a staff member who embodies the institution's five As: Adaptive, Accessible, Active, Affordable, and Anchored.
This year's well-deserved winner, , was nominated by students, faculty and staff members for his outstanding work and dedication to the University. Although he may have been surprised by his nomination, the St. Ambrose community expected nothing less from someone of his character.
"Dave bleeds blue. He is the embodiment of what it means to be Ambrosian," said Amy Novak, EdD, president of St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ. "One of the student nominators perhaps said it best, referring to Dave's character as 'incredibly generous and inspiring.' Other nominators highlighted his 'genuine and authentic nature' and his ‘willingness to always do the right thing, even if it meant more work and effort.' We are extremely proud and blessed to have him as a member of the Ambrose community, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved award," added Novak.
Baker, who has been with the University since 1989, currently serves as the operations manager of the campus public radio station (KALA-FM). During his tenure here, he has also served as an adjunct instructor in the department, as assistant operations manager, and director of audio production.
He was also a student of St. Ambrose from 1984-88 when he majored in Mass Communications and minored in , but he discovered his love of all things Ambrose even earlier in life.
" '76, MA has been a longtime officer of an amateur radio club that I was a member of when I was younger," said Baker. "Way back when I was in middle school, the club took a tour of the Ambrose TV and radio facility. When I got home from the tour I ran into the house and I told my mom and dad, ‘I'm going to go to SAU, I've decided.' Even that young I knew St. Ambrose would be home for me."
Baker's impact extends beyond St. Ambrose, as he also contributes to the community in a variety of settings. He helped organize the University's participation in the LULAC Mexican Independence Day Parade, and he remains a welcome, familiar face at community events such as the Bix 7 and commencement. He also supports numerous campus activities, including and new student days.
"The thing about Ambrose is that it's so much of a family. We are a small community that cares. We share in each other's joys and struggles, and all collectively work together for the greater good of our students," said Baker.
When asked what he is going to do with his winnings, Baker smiled and said, "I see it as a sign for our family to adopt another Boston Terrier puppy."
Congratulations, Dave! And may we suggest you name your new dog, Ambrose.