Shapiro Selects Brian Baker as the 2015 Recipient of its Annual Student Scholarship
- September 17, 2015
Shapiro’s Educational Committee announced the winner of their annual student scholarship program. The scholarship, open to all Shapiro employees’ children, is granted after a rigorous evaluation process comprised of academic achievement records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement and an essay from each candidate. The winner, Brian Baker, received a $2,000 scholarship for his college studies. Shapiro’s commitment to education extends deep into their culture, and they also contribute funding and teaching hours to the University of Baltimore’s Export Import Management course in the Merrick School of Business. The Company also maintains an internal education program, Shapiro University, for employees to learn and cross-train in varying career paths; additionally, Shapiro covers tuition for qualifying courses (and qualifying performance levels) for employees who seek continuing education outside Shapiro.
Brian Baker, the winner of Shapiro’s 2015 student scholarship, is an Environmental Science and Technology major at the University of Maryland. He is a senior and set to graduate in December of 2015. After graduation, Brian seeks to pursue a state-level career with the Park Service, Forest Service, or the Department of Natural Resources. Long-term, Baker plans to pursue his Master’s and subsequently Doctoral degrees to fulfill his dream of conducting research in the polar region of Antarctica. Brian is very active in community service at the University of Maryland and contributes to trail maintenance and conservation with the Trail Club. He has also attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a member of the Boy Scouts of America and hopes to continue to educate and inspire other scouts in the community.
Brian’s father, Mike Baker, the Company’s Programming Manager and Senior Developer, has been with Shapiro for over 17 years. Brian grew up with the Company attending employee happenings, most often sporting events. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to receive this scholarship to further my education,” says Brian. “Shapiro has made it possible for me to continue in the pursuit of my dreams and I’m grateful to be part of the Shapiro family.”
