A Memorable Evening Honors An Unforgettable Man

Momentum agency principal Pam Hartley was part of small group of friends invited to participate in Tommy Baker’s final class as an entrepreneurial professor at the College of Charleston on May 2, 2013.

Hartley said, “It was an evening filled with reflection and appreciation for a man that has inspired 576 senior level students over the past 22 years. What an achievement.”

Last night, College of Charleston students bid farewell to their teacher and mentor at T-Bonz on Market Street in Charleston, SC during their final assignment: the group project.

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

“I was delighted to sit next to guest Stewart Vernon, CEO of ASP in Macon, Georgia, one of Tommy’s students eleven years ago who began a thriving business during his time in the class,” Hartley added.  “Entrepreneur Magazine named his company one of the top 100 fastest growing franchises of 2013. What a success story!”

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. The students showered Mr. Baker with signed 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”.

Hartley said, “What a memorable evening.  Tommy spoke about his tenure at the college and beamed as he received gifts from his students. It was wonderful to witness the true admiration his students felt for him. It was a moving tribute to the man that has meant so much to so many.”

As Pam made her rounds after the presentations, each student she spoke to said 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.  They reflected on how he gave them “once in a lifetime” opportunities and exposure to the business community in Charleston.

It was a momentous occasion for everyone privileged to be a part of it. We congratulate Mr. Baker for all he has contributed over the past 22 years to young entrepreneurial leaders of the future. Thank you, sir for all you do for this community and for everyone with whom you come in contact.