Baker College is also the oldest (and best) of the nine residential colleges of Rice University......

James Addison Baker College is the oldest of the nine residential colleges at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

THE HISTORY OF BAKER COLLEGE Originally called East Hall, Baker was the first residential building on campus. Baker was established as one of the 5 original residential colleges at Rice in the fall of 1957. It was named in honor of Captain James Addison Baker, who served as the Rice Institute's first chairman on the Board of Trustees from June 24, 1891 until his death in 1941.

Following the opening of the institute in 1912, the first buildings, which comprise part of Baker College today, were designed and constructed by Cram, Goodhue * Ferguson of Boston at the cost of $137,544.52. The Baker Commons was the first unit to be completed (in 1914), and it served as the central dining hall for the entire campus for 43 years. The next building completed was the "East Hall", which is now know as the "Old Wing" of Baker. These buildings remained unchanged until the installation of the college system, when the addition of the "New Wing" and the Baker House completed the Baker College we know today.

BAKER TRADITION What makes Baker the best college on campus are our many long-standing traditions.

Bubba*

The Baker Unity BarBeque Activity is held every year within the first few weeks. It's a nice welcome back with a huge smoke and all the barbeque you can eat.

Baker 13*

Baker Blues*

Just like all of the other colleges, Baker holds two public parties during the year. Baker Blues is held in the fall semester and is a unique party with bourbon, cigars, dancing, and of course some of the best blues music around, because after all, we are the classiest college of them all.

Baker Faire and Baker Feast*

To kick off Bakershake, the college has the Baker Faire, where everyone enjoys medieval merriment and a feast for dinner accompanied by a wizard and fire-juggling jesters. At the conclusion of Bakershake, Baker Feast is held. A senior-only affair rumored to be a party, few know what actually occurs.

Baker Gentlemen's Hedonist Society (BGHS)*

Don't worry, they won't bite, and everyone in Baker is a member. BGHS puts on a good time with wine tasting, Coffee House night, Parting Glass for seniors, and the St. Patty's Day Croquet Classic. It's the finer side of Baker College.

Baker Upper 4th*

Upper Fourth is your own personal guide to college life similar to "Animal House". Stop by for the permanent "gathering" and to play of what has become our college pastime. Always a good time, open nearly 24/7.

Crawfish Boil*

What's the best way to celebrate the end of classes? How about 400 pounds of crawfish, and a little bit of corn and potatoes. It's kind of messy but soooo good.

Freshman Campout*

Every fall the freshman class takes a camping trip to find out annual Christmas tree. After you bring back the tree and put it up in the Commons, we have a holiday party with a gingerbread-house-making contest.

Prom Party*

Just like high school prom, only more ironic.

BAKER IS THE BEST! HELL YEAH!!!!!