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ANDERSON — A man who helped hundreds of students find a way to pay for college was honored alongside his wife at Anderson University’s Heritage Award Luncheon Sunday.

The Revs. Theodore and Mary Baker were honored for their service to the community, joining a list of more than two dozen past honorees who influenced the Anderson University community.

Ted Baker spent 33 years working for AU students in the pursuit of financial aide while Mary worked with the church parish at Sherman Street Church of God.

The Bakers and their five children were welcomed by the AU family when they first got to town in 1969, despite all odds, Ted Baker said.

“When you have a large family, not many people invite you over for dinner.”

Robert Coffman, vice president of advancement for AU, said the couple was a huge influence on him over the years.

“The Bakers have been such tremendous role models of people of faith.”

AU President James Edwards said he formed a close personal relationship with Ted Baker, and looked out over the audience and thanked him during the ceremony Sunday.

“Ted, you have carried me.”

Other members of the AU Heritage Club were in attendance Sunday, and shared a designation of a teal ribbon and a very special legacy.

Edwards explained that Heritage Club members do more than just devote their lives to the university. They do so in death as well.

In order to enter the Heritage Club, citizens must leave a portion of their estate to the university. It may include a home or making the university the beneficiary of an insurance policy.

The unique donation was acknowledged as 2009 AU graduate Dominique Booker took the stage and spoke about her time at AU and how it has led her to law school.

Donors like the Bakers, she said, make a lasting impact on AU students.