the Royce R. Baker and Kathryn McCormick Baker Endowment Fund

Kathryn “Kitte” Baker attended The University of Akron and earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, music, in 1944. She went on to earn an M.A. from Teacher’s College at Columbia University in New York. While at Columbia, she performed with fellow University of Akron alumna Bette Burke Pruett as duo pianists at New York’s Town Hall. Mrs. Baker’s musical career also consisted of professional accompaniment and teaching piano. Mr. and Mrs. Baker were generous benefactors of The University of Akron during their lifetimes, providing funds for the purchase of a Steinway D grand piano for the School of Music in 2002.

The Royce R. Baker and Kathryn McCormick Baker Endowment Fund is designated to fund scholarships for students in the School of Music who demonstrate strong commitment to their academic and musical studies.

Selection of scholarship recipients of The Royce R. Baker and Kathryn McCormick Baker Endowment Fund will be made by the director of the School of Music or the appropriate designee. Recipients may apply for renewal of the award provided they remain in good standing at The University of Akron and in the School of Music.