Rice University to host gala celebrating Baker Institute for Public Policy

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Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy Director David Satterfield | Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy

Former U.S. Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, James Baker, and Hillary Clinton will attend a gala celebrating the 30th anniversary of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy on Oct. 26. Baker, who served under Pres. George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1992, is the namesake of the nonpartisan, data-driven think tank. 

“The demand for credible analysis from trusted sources is stronger than ever before,” David Satterfield, the former U.S. ambassador to Turkey who heads the Baker Institute, said in an Aug. 8 press release issued by Rice University. “The gala will look back on the institute’s foundation of excellence and look forward to how actionable data and resources can benefit both the public and policymakers.” 

According to the release, Kissinger, Baker, and Clinton will participate in a discussion on geopolitics, foreign affairs and public service moderated by CBS Evening News anchor Nora O’Donnell.

The university’s James A. Baker III Hall will host the gala from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the release said. Its theme is “Raising a Meaningful Voice,” which is taken from a quote of Baker’s that’s emblazoned on the façade of the venue. “The institute’s rigorous, data-driven research aims to provide information and analysis that shines a light on different aspects of today’s critical and complex issues,” the university said in the release. 

Per the release, Rice will release additional details about the celebration as the date draws near. 

The Baker Institute’s website says it’s home to over 200 leading experts from academia, the private sector and government who come from other parts of the globe. 

“Our areas of study reflect our comparative advantages in geography, expertise and ability to add value,” the website reads. “We study critical topics in foreign and domestic policy, including issues related to economics and finance, energy, health and science, presidential elections and more. Our range of expertise allows for interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers.”