Dave Selzer, ’73, has a long history with Baker University, which started before he even stepped foot into his first college class.
Growing up in Baldwin City, Dave spent many summers mowing the lawns of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and Alpha Chi Omega sorority houses. He often interacted with Baker students in his parents’ jewelry and flower store, and his mother, Ilene Schreck Selzer, ’40, was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, taught German classes, and volunteered as an accompanist for the Department of Music. His older brother, Jim, ’70, was a Baker student while Dave was making his college decision—which always circled back to Baker University.
“I chose Baker because of this background, but also because its size wasn’t as overwhelming as the larger state schools felt to me,” he said.
Once he was on campus as an official BU student, Dave joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity, a decision he said was one of the best he has ever made because of the many lifelong friendships he developed and the critical experience he gained in working with and getting along with others. Dave focused his studies on math and sciences, but also took several business courses.
After graduating from Baker in 1973 with a degree in physics, Dave earned an MBA and launched into a successful business career.
Since graduating, Dave has never forgotten his family ties to Baker University and has honored them in numerous ways. In 2012, he and his wife, Jeanne, along with his brother, John “Bob,” ’84, established the James O. Selzer Endowed Scholarship in memory of their older brother, Jim. Recently they established the Ilene Schreck Selzer Memorial Scholarship to honor their mother.
Because of their strong belief in the value of a Baker education, Dave and Jeanne support Forever Orange: The Campaign for Baker University.
“This is a great chance to be part of Baker’s future and impact future generations of students,” Dave said. “I hope our gift offers a little financial security to Baker students, so they can pursue the college experience with minimal distractions. I hope it helps secure Baker’s longevity, and I hope it may nudge other alumni to offer their support. There’s never been a better time to step up and impact future generations of students.”
