With Gratitude To My Precious Friend and Colleague

Dear Jean,

When you joined Michigan State University in 1999, I knew that you were something special. It took us two years to find you, but when we met you, we knew that you were the one. Back then, it was just the two of us, dreaming and scheming and building. You brought energy, passion, and zest to our work. You brought hope. You helped to craft and fulfill a vision for our school psychology program that at its core, cared about people. To our list of defining characteristics, you added a commitment to social justice. You helped to create our community, our “family” of school psychology students, faculty, and colleagues that goes beyond the boundaries of Michigan State University.

The person, Jean Baker, and the professional, Jean Baker, are seamless. Your convictions and beliefs shape your research and your teaching as much as it shapes your parenting and volunteer work. You care deeply about people and encouraged everyone around you to set high standards, beginning always, with yourself. Despite your high expectations, you had a soft heart and your compassion leaked out even when you tried to be tough.

Among your many roles I think of you most of all, as a parent. You spoke about your children with the deepest affection, respect, and love. I still remember you telling us about how Liz took the day off of high school and drove to Chicago. You were ticked off, but you were also so proud.

Over the years, you taught me so much, but the single most important thing, is that people matter. Relationships matter. This is what made you exceptional as a psychologist, researcher, teacher, mentor, activist, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend.

I will always cherish the memories of our times together laughing, talking, dreaming, venting, solving world peace, and doting on our children. Your generosity of spirit, courage, kindness, passion, and beauty strengthen and enrich the lives of all of us. I will always be grateful.

With love,

Evelyn Oka
Co-Director with Jean of the MSU School Psychology Program