Hall of Fame
It would be nearly impossible for student-athletes to succeed both on the field of competition and in the classroom without the generosity of others who believe that higher education is a lifelong, pathway to success.
One such man and family have given themselves, their time and financial support to Cal State San Bernardino athletics and CSUSB is proud to welcome the late Neal T. Baker into the Coyote Hall of Fame.
In 1952, 13 years before Cal State San Bernardino opened its doors for the first time, Mr. Baker opened his first hamburger restaurant stand right here in San Bernardino and nearly 60 years later, Baker’s Drive-Thru is recognized for its quality food that is pleasing and affordable to the residents of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Mr. Baker’s love for his business was matched by his love for his hometown of San Bernardino. Known for its many philanthropic causes, Baker’s Drive-Thru continues to play a role in many charities and community functions throughout the Inland Empire and in particular, the city of San Bernardino. Cal State San Bernardino’s athletic department and Baker’s have been corporate partners for many years. Take a look in and around the CSUSB campus and you’ll see Baker’s signage inside Coussoulis Arena and at the university’s soccer field. His support has helped countless young people go on to attend CSUSB by utilizing their athletic abilities and working toward, and earning, their college degrees.
In 2007-08, Mr. Baker was named the College Division Donor of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors.
Baker was a long-time supporter of and donor to Cal State San Bernardino athletics. He was cited by the NAADD for his company's donation of T-shirts for CSUSB youth basketball camps, radio advertising for game broadcasts, coupons for restaurant food items, Baker's logo basketballs for special game promotions and distribution of 50,000 fliers for free admission to CSUSB athletic events through his 38 Baker's Drive-Thru restaurants.
Baker was a founding donor of Coussoulis Arena and his company has donated annually to Coyote athletics as a corporate sponsor in addition to in-kind contributions.
