University of Tennessee’s Baker School to Celebrate Legacy of Senator Howard H. Baker Jr. with Centennial Events
Knoxville, TN (October 2, 2025) – The University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs will host a series of commemorative events honoring the centennial of Senator Howard H. Baker Jr.’s birth. The celebrations, taking place in October and November, will pay tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of the Tennessee statesman, renowned for his bipartisanship, diplomacy, and leadership.
The centennial celebration will include events that reflect the late Senator’s enduring impact:
Howard Baker Photography Exhibit | Oct. 24-Dec. 14, 2025 | Knoxville Museum of Art
Baker’s lesser-known but personal passion for photography will be showcased in a curated exhibit at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The showcase will feature original photographs taken by Baker during his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Japan. The Baker School partnered with the UT School of Art to present the “Life Through the Lens” Student Photography Contest. School of Art faculty selected the winning photos to be displayed in the exhibit alongside Baker’s.
Distinguished Speakers Series: “U.S. and Japan-Allies in Security, Partners in Economic Prosperity” | Nov. 13 from 1-2 p.m. | Baker School’s Toyota Auditorium
The Tennessee World Affairs Council, in partnership with the Baker School and UT Center for Global Engagement, will host a special panel discussion on the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Japan. Inspired by Senator Baker’s service as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, the event will highlight how the two nations work together as allies on security issues, navigate regional challenges, and building lasting economic partnerships.
The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Krista Wiegand, director of UT’s Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs. Panelists include Dr. Tosh Minohara, professor of international relations and security studies at Kobe University in Japan, and Dr. William Chou, senior fellow and deputy director of the Japan Chair at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. Together they will share their perspectives on why the U.S.-Japan alliance matters today and what it means in the future.
Howard H. Baker Jr. Birthday Gala | Nov. 14 from 5-7:30 p.m. | The Press Room
The Baker School’s annual gala will not only raise support for student scholarships but also honor Senator Baker’s legacy of civility, service, and principled leadership. The evening’s program will be emceed by former Congressman and UT quarterback Heath Shuler and will feature special remarks from former U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander.
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the inaugural Howard H. Baker Jr. Award for Public Service, recognizing an early-career professional who embodies the Baker tradition of bridging divides, fostering respectful dialogue, and working toward the common good. Tickets are available.
Baker School Homecoming Tailgate | Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Baker School
In true Volunteer spirit, the Baker School will host a special centennial-themed tailgate ahead of UT’s homecoming football game to honor Senator Baker’s love of Tennessee and his deep ties to the University. Open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the Baker School, the celebration will feature campaign memorabilia, football-themed activities, refreshments, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Register for the Homecoming Tailgate.
A native of Huntsville, Tennessee, Baker devoted his life to state, national, and international public service. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Baker was elected to the United States Senate in 1966. Over nearly two decades in the Senate, he played a pivotal role in shaping landmark legislation, including the Clean Air Act of 1970, and worked across the aisle to address some of the most pressing issues of his time. Baker gained national recognition as vice chair of the Senate Watergate Committee, where his famous question – “What did the President know, and when did he know it?”—became central to the hearings. He later helped secure the Panama Canal Treaties’ passage, demonstrating his commitment to diplomacy and international stability. Rising to the rank of Senate Minority Leader and Majority Leader, Baker earned a reputation as “the Great Conciliator” for his ability to bring people together. His career in public service continued as White House Chief of Staff to President Ronald Reagan and later as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, where he strengthened one of America’s most important alliances.
After completing his service as U.S. Ambassador to Japan in 2005, Baker returned to Tennessee, where he continued championing public service and civic engagement. He helped establish the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee, furthering the public’s knowledge of our system of governance and highlighting the critical importance of public service. Until his passing in 2014, Baker remained an active voice in public affairs, frequently speaking and writing on matters of policy, leadership, and international relations. In 2023, the Baker Center became the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs.
About the Howard H. Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs
The Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, prepares skilled public problem solvers, grounded in the legacy of Howard H. Baker, Jr., and prepared to take leadership roles in their communities. The first and only institution of its kind in Tennessee, the Baker School offers academic programs, research opportunities, and outreach initiatives that foster thoughtful dialogue and informed decision-making at the local, national, and global levels. For more information, visit baker.UTK.edu.