Rich Baker didn’t attend Denison, but his heart and now his philanthropy are deeply invested in the university’s American Roots Music program.
A self-taught guitarist, banjo player, and mandolinist, as well as a longtime radio host of the Bluegrass Ramble on WOSU, Baker is establishing a scholarship that will help attract and retain students pursuing this unique art form at Denison.
“My passion, outside of my career, has always been in traditional American music,” Baker says. “And there are very few programs in the U.S. that do a deep dive into traditional American music like Denison’s.”
Baker’s journey into bluegrass began while he was a student at Ohio University, where he was captivated by the music of Appalachian artists performing in the Athens region. His decision to support Denison stems from his deep respect for the program — and for Adam Schlenker, who leads it.
“Adam is astounding. In my opinion, if I had to list the top 10 guitar players in the U.S., he’s clearly on that list,” Baker says. “When I learned that he hoped to create a scholarship for students in the program, I thought, why not try to help make that happen?”
Schlenker was surprised and honored by Baker’s commitment. “To have someone from a generation or two above me say, ‘What you’re doing is worth investing in,’ that’s powerful,” he says. “Rich’s gift helps ensure the longevity and relevance of this music by helping us bring in the next generation.”
He believes the scholarship has the potential to transform the program’s reach: “Every year, we encounter prospective students who are an excellent fit but just need a little more support to make Denison feasible,” Schlenker says. “This scholarship helps us say, ‘We see you. We want you here.’ That’s a game-changer.”
With this gift, Baker isn’t just supporting a program — he’s amplifying a tradition. “If my support helps even one student find their voice through this music, that’s a legacy I’m proud to leave,” he says.
