In this Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with Michelle (Tuller) Heidner ’87 to reflect on the moments, mentors, and experiences that shaped her time on campus and the ways Baker continues to influence her life and career today. (Photo: Michelle, right, with her sister, Brenda.)
What was the first moment that made Baker feel at home?
I attended a Senior Weekend and sat down on a Saturday morning with Virginia Fambrough (she was Ginny Jones at the time) and Lucy Price in the basement of the library and had a two on one chat. The two of them showed such interest in me and I felt such an immediate connection. Baker has always prided itself on the faculty-to-student ratio and personal attention where students are a name and not a number, and this was very true for me. I’m still connected to them and have valued their mentorship, guidance, and friendship.
What was your favorite class at Baker, and why?
That’s an impossible question. While I started out as a double major in theater and English, I ended up with enough credits to obtain a teaching certificate for secondary education in English and French. Some of the general ed classes in science and philosophy are memorable because they opened my mind to new ways of thinking and new ideas. I still recycle because of Dr. Boyd and understand the concept of light pollution and love the night sky in a profound way due to Ray Cyr.
Who made the biggest impact on you while at Baker?
I cherish all the time I spent in the theater department with Bruce Woodruff, who gave me the scholarship that financially allowed me to attend. Theater wasn’t just an extracurricular activity, it was my family, my fraternity (Alpha Psi Omega!), Rice and Darby Hope were my home, and it’s where I made all my life-long friends. Even though I didn’t pledge a sorority going through rush, I became friends with many Greeks, and my off-campus apartment became the place for many an epic cast party.
What are two things that you would tell current students today?
Take the time to try everything. College is the time to explore and seek out new things and learn how to learn. That’s why Baker, as a Liberal Arts University, will continue to be valuable. That broad education can open your mind to the interconnectedness of all things so that economics and science and art aren’t isolated academic fields, but part of a total understanding of the world and how life works. Second, be open and friendly. Baker is small enough that if you try, you can develop a network that will benefit you after graduation. I was able to do that as an independent, although I was a little sister for the Sigma Phi Epsilon house. Super sad they don’t have that program now, as they were a great group of brothers and another social outlet.
How did your Baker experience shape your journey and career?
I did not pursue public education and went into insurance, working with Kansas Medicaid for most of my career. I think learning French actually helped me learn Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance, as the terminology is foreign, and it can be complicated. Being able to translate and explain government programs, I have discovered, is a skill. Acting has been super helpful in many meetings and corporate situations. I’ll leave it at that!
Can you briefly describe your career path since leaving Baker?
While living in Baldwin to raise my kids, I worked part-time at the Baker cafeteria on the weekends. It was great fun being the door lady and meeting the current students. I loved graduation weekends and all the special events. I was able to see the traditions live on.
What do you love about Baker the most?
I honed my love of travel during two inter-terms, first on a Literary tour of the British Isles and later while exploring London and Paris with the late Earl Kirk, professor of French. Seeing all those cathedrals and the influence of the Methodist church and the students who had attended the Institute helped me find my faith. I owe who I am today to the people and experiences of Baker.
