‘The Legacy of Capt. James A. Baker’ in spotlight at Rice’s Baker Institute Sept. 20

MEDIA ADVISORY

David Ruth
713-348-632
david@rice.edu 

Jeff Falk
713-348-677
jfalk@rice.edu

‘The Legacy of Capt. James A. Baker’ in spotlight at Rice’s Baker Institute Sept. 20

HOUSTON – (Sept. 13, 2012) – Author Kate Sayen Kirkland will discuss her new book, “The Legacy of Capt. James A. Baker,” at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Sept. 20. The book explores the archival records of James A. Baker and his family, firm and contemporaries. Published as part of Rice University’s Centennial Celebration, it weaves together the history of Houston and the story of one of its most influential citizens. 

Who: Author Kate Sayen Kirkland.

What: “The Legacy of Capt. James A. Baker” book discussion and signing.

When: Thursday, Sept. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Rice University, Baker Hall, Doré Commons, 6100 Main St.

On Sept. 23, 1900, Baker, a Houston lawyer, banker and businessman, received an alarming telegram: His elderly millionaire client, William Marsh Rice, had died unexpectedly. Baker ultimately unraveled a plot to murder Rice and plunder his estate. Baker saved his deceased client’s fortune and championed his wishes by establishing the Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art — today’s internationally acclaimed Rice University.

Baker and his partners transformed their law practice into Houston’s first nationally recognized law firm, which today is known globally as Baker Botts LLP. Baker chartered several Houston businesses and utility companies, developed two major regional banks, promoted real estate projects and instilled in his descendants a commitment to civic life. His grandson, James A. Baker III, served as the nation’s 61st secretary of state and 67th secretary of the treasury and became honorary chair of Rice University’s Baker Institute.

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

To view the complete event information, visit http://bakerinstitute.org/events/captain-james-a.-baker-understanding-one-of-houston2019s-most-influential-citizens-and-his-role-in-the-founding-of-rice-university.

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Founded in 1993, the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University in Houston ranks among the top 20 university-affiliated think tanks globally and top 30 think tanks in the United States. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute sponsors more than 20 programs that conduct research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows and Rice University scholars. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.