March 18, 2024

Donald F. Baker, B.S. CE ’71 was honored with a James E. “Bud” Moulder Distinguished Alumni Award at Mizzou Engineering’s annual Awards Banquet on March 15.

The award recognizes those who have distinguished themselves in service to the College.

“It means a lot,” Baker said. “I never thought about recognition, so it’s nice to know others appreciate your efforts and that what you’ve done has made a difference.”

For Baker, attending Mizzou Engineering made all the difference. The first in his family to attend college, Baker said the University not only prepared him for a successful career but also changed his perspectives and expanded his world view.

“It was invaluable,” he said. “I couldn’t have gone to a better place because of the total experience you get here.”

After his early career took him to jobs in San Francisco and Washington State, Baker returned to Missouri where he worked as a project engineer and electrical contractor before starting a business with his father, Paul.

They founded P&D Electric, Inc., in 1985 with a commitment to providing exceptional electrical services for commercial and industrial clients. Baker’s daughter, Deborah, took the reins following his retirement, while he continues to serve on the company’s board of directors.

Baker has been a longtime supporter of the College, where his granddaughter, Maggie, is now studying industrial and systems engineering.

He’s been a strong advocate of construction management programming, establishing the Baker Family Endowment for Construction Management Education in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. P&D Electric is also among the inaugural members of the department’s Construction Management Industry Consortium.

He also recently championed the College during Mizzou Giving Day, matching donations to support a new Center for Energy Innovation. Additionally, he serves on the University of Missouri College of Engineering Foundation, is a member of the Shamrock Society, the McAlester Society and the Jefferson Club.

“I give back because of the impact Mizzou had on me, but I encourage others to get involved however they’re able,” he said. “Come to an event, talk to another other alumni or just call the College and see how you can become involved.”