Tommy Baker bid farewell to 22 years as an entrepreneurial professor at College of Charleston with final class presentations last night

It was an evening  filled with reflection and appreciation for a man that has inspired 576 senior  level students over the past 20 years.

Last night, Tommy Baker’s final  College of Charleston class of entrepreneurial students bid farewell to their  teacher and mentor at T-Bonz on Market Street in Charleston.

After 22  years, Mr. Baker announced last year that this would be his final semester as a  professor at the college.

The class, divided up into two groups, shared  their group presentations to Mr. Baker and six of his friends and colleagues  including Jim Newsome, Jim Smith, Paul Steadman, David Desplaces, Stewart Vernon and Pam  Hartley. The group of professionals was invited to give feedback to the class following each presentation.

The first group presented an overview of  historic King Street with a look to future development. They included colorful  stories from landmark merchants and video testimonials. Mr. Baker was presented  with gifts including a hand bound comprehensive book about King Street.

The second group spoke on the history of the school of business at the  college, the influence and contributions of Mr. Baker and presented their  professor with the ultimate gift to sustain his legacy, The Tommy B. Baker  Scholarship for future students at the school of business.

Commitments  were made on the spot from Mr. Baker’s guests to fund future scholarships and  Mr. Baker himself was so moved he committed to match the scholarship fund dollar  for dollar “as long as he’s alive”.

It was a moving tribute to the man  that has meant so much to so many students.  Each student that spoke exclaimed that the class was “the best class they had ever taken” and several students  said they’d never forget the mentoring and learning experiences Mr. Baker had  provided.

It was a momentous occasion to everyone privileged to be a part  of it. We congratulate Mr. Baker for all he has contributed to the young  entrepreneurial leaders of the future. Thank you, sir for all you do for this  community and everyone you come in contact with. You are a true gentleman!