An extraordinary gift from the estates of Bruce Baky ’65 and Sherrin Hilburt Baky-Nessler ’65, P’01 will strengthen faculty excellence, advance innovation across academic programs, and expand opportunities for Gettysburg students.
Gettysburg College has received a $9.45 million gift from the estates of Bruce Baky ’65 and Sherrin Hilburt Baky-Nessler ’65, P’01, celebrating the couple’s loyal devotion to the College and advancing faculty excellence, innovation, and student opportunity across several academic priorities. With this estate gift, the couple’s total giving to Gettysburg will exceed $9.7 million, placing them among the College’s most impactful benefactors.
The gift reflects decades of planning and deep engagement with Gettysburg’s mission. Both Bruce and Sherrin graduated in the Class of 1965, beginning a lifelong relationship with the College rooted in shared curiosity, service, and gratitude. They met as first-year students in a class taught by Religious Studies Prof. Emeritus Lou Hammann ’51, a formative mentor whose teaching left a lasting impression and helped shape their commitment to supporting faculty excellence. Years later, Hammann officiated the couple’s vow renewal on their 40th wedding anniversary held in the Science Center.
“Bruce and Sherrin’s generosity grew out of a genuine love for Gettysburg College and the people who define our community,” said President Bob Iuliano. “With this gift, they are investing in the educators and experiences that most profoundly shape our students’ lives. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our mission and their unwavering belief in their alma mater.”
The $9.45 million gift will support four endowed funds: The Baky Endowment for Faculty Growth & Innovation in the Health Sciences, The Baky Endowed Faculty Development Fund for the Sunderman Conservatory of Music, The Baky Endowed Fund for the Eisenhower Institute Experts-in-Residence Program, and the Sherrin Hilburt Baky-Nessler Endowed Scholarship for students in the health sciences.
Together, these funds reflect Sherrin’s conviction that exceptional faculty are central to student success. A biology major at Gettysburg, Sherrin often credited her faculty mentors—including Hammann, Bob Barnes P’81, and Helen Darrah—for preparing her for a distinguished career in clinical research and association leadership. Through her philanthropy, she emphasized faculty professional development as a critical investment in educational quality, believing it is essential to attracting and retaining outstanding teacher-scholars.
Support for the Sunderman Conservatory of Music and the Eisenhower Institute also speaks to the Bakys’ broad intellectual and cultural interests and belief in a holistic liberal arts education. Bruce, in particular, held a deep passion for American history and civic life—values closely aligned with the Eisenhower Institute’s mission to prepare students for leadership and public service.
Sherrin served Gettysburg in numerous leadership roles, including as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2009 and later as trustee emerita. In recognition of Sherrin and Bruce’s extraordinary service and philanthropic leadership, the couple received the College’s Alumni Meritorious Service Award in 2010.
Sherrin and Bruce shared a love of travel before Bruce’s untimely passing in 2007. In 2015, Sherrin married the late Bill Nessler P’01, further extending the family’s ties to Gettysburg. Bill’s son, Kristoffer Nessler ’01, and daughter-in-law, Kathryn Havens Nessler ’02, are both alumni, reinforcing the multigenerational connection reflected in the family’s philanthropy.
“Bruce and Sherrin’s experience at Gettysburg shaped who they became for the rest of their lives,” said John Baky ’69, Bruce’s brother. “They met here, built a 42-year marriage rooted in shared values, and carried the lessons of this place into everything they did. Their commitment to Gettysburg—and to faculty, students, and programs they believed in—was deeply personal, and this gift reflects both their gratitude for the College and their hope for its future.”
Honor the impact of Gettysburg by investing in the people and programs that define our future.
By Corey Jewart
Photos by Shawna Sherrell, Miranda Harple, and Joseph Gidjunis
Posted: 02/10/26