Sandburg Alumna, Husband ‘Doing the Right Thing’ With Historic 7-Figure Pledge to Carl Sandburg College
Aaron Frey
Monday, April 12, 2021 2:16 PM
Campus News
Galesburg, IL
Though she and her husband made a historic pledge to Carl Sandburg College last year, Tracey Moore Baker hadn’t set foot in a building here in decades until last week.
During a campus tour April 5, Moore Baker marveled at the physical transformation of Sandburg’s Main Campus in Galesburg since she graduated from the nursing program in 1985. But what struck her most about the campus were the developments in technology of how instructors teach and students learn.
“The advances you guys have made were astonishing to me,” Tracey said, “It just really made me feel like we are doing the right thing with Carl Sandburg College.”
Tracey and her husband, Mark Baker, took part in a signing ceremony Tuesday at Sandburg to formally commemorate their seven-figure estate gift, the largest planned contribution in the College’s history. They want their donation to have a particular emphasis on assisting first-generation college students with needs such as tuition, books, housing and transportation. The objective of their gift is to eliminate any impediments to getting an education.
“Anything that could prevent someone from finishing or thinking that they can go to college, that's where we want our focus to be with what we're providing to Carl Sandburg College,” Tracey said. “I’ve been very blessed with my life because of Sandburg.”
A Galesburg native, Tracey became the first in her family to graduate from college when she earned her associate degree in nursing from Sandburg. She went on to earn her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Cincinnati.
Tracey spent time as a floor nurse, assisted with conducting clinical research trials and then specialized in female health at UC’s Center for Reproductive Health. From there, she moved away from nursing and worked in pharmaceutical sales, medical device sales, medical device reporting to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and as a medical device clinical consultant. Without Sandburg, she said, none of that would have been possible.
“Their gesture — their commitment to Carl Sandburg College in the future — is a continuation of the life lessons that they have learned and a statement of faith and belief in the work that community colleges do,” Sandburg President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. “While much of what lies ahead is uncertain, we know that we can look to the future with optimism and hope because of the tremendous generosity and faith that they have demonstrated in Carl Sandburg College.”
When Tracey and Mark, who live in Knoxville, Tenn., wed last year and began to plan their future, Mark — also a first-generation college graduate — planted the idea of donating to the schools that helped pave the way for his wife’s success. The couple also has made a seven-figure pledge to support UC’s nursing program.
“For both of us, we looked at how our lives were transformed by education,” Mark said. “They always say you need to pay it forward. That's what we're trying to do: pay it forward in a perpetual gift for generations. I can't think of a better of a better way to establish a legacy.”
Because of COVID-19 and living outside the area, their visit this week marked the first time Tracey and Mark had been able to meet in person with Sandburg administration, faculty and staff. Being able to do that, in addition to touring the campus and taking part in the signing ceremony for their life-changing gift, made them feel as if they were officially part of the Sandburg family, they said.
“I'm just grateful for Carl Sandburg College, and what I saw — how far this community and family at Carl Sandburg has come — blew me away,” Tracey said. “It amazed me with the technology and progress and opportunity for other students to do so many things. They'll change lives.”
Carl Sandburg College hosted a signing ceremony Tuesday to commemorate the seven-figure estate gift pledged by Sandburg alumna Tracey Moore Baker and her husband, Mark Baker. Pictured are (l-r): Kris Gray, dean of health professions; Emily Webel, executive director of advancement; Tracey Moore Baker; Mark Baker; and President Dr. Seamus Reilly.