A new $10 million endowment created by late businessman and local arboretum founder Jerry E.

Annual investment earnings from the endowment will be used to enhance the Jerry E. The fund supports students pursuing a major or minor in music, dance, theater, art or horticulture, with funding divided among the five programs.

Blair said support for those programs reflects Bakeras passions in life.

Baker was known as a local patron of the arts, including support for the Phoenix Theatre, the Symphony at WKU and Orchestra Kentucky.

In 2006, when he was planning to open the Downing Museum, Baker estimated in a Daily News article that he owned nearly 1,000 pieces of artwork from Joe Downing, an artist and the brother of former WKU President Dero Downing.

Baker also founded a nearly 115-acre arboretum that bears his name.

His philanthropy record to WKU also includes support for professorships in horticulture and music as well as scholarships in horticulture, music, dance, art and athletics.

WKU expects to receive $450,000 from the scholarship endowment in its first year, according to the release.

Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.