All-University Award Recipients
Friend to the University Award
Burke Foundation, Inc.
Milwaukee
Dick Burke, Bus Ad ’56, believed that "If you are fortunate enough to gain resources in this world, you have a responsibility to give back to society.” He amassed significant resources as the founder of Trek Bicycle Corp., which grew from humble beginnings in Waterloo, Wis., to become the world's premier bicycle company. The entrepreneur's namesake foundation has given $15.7 million to Marquette to support undergraduate and graduate-level scholarship programs that incorporate volunteer service as a key component.
Dick, who passed away in 2008, served as a Marquette trustee from 1996–2005and was elected a trustee emeritus. He was recognized as a distinguished alumnus in 1995 and received an honorary doctorate of letters from the university in 2006. He established his foundation in 1995. Originally called the Trinity Foundation, the Burke Foundation works to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth with a focus on education access, as well as the character and intellectual development of youth and future leaders.
The foundation has established two scholarship programs at Marquette for students who display special talents for public service and leadership in the tradition of Catholic, Jesuit higher education.
The Trinity Fellows program, in its 15th year, is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. Fellows complete a two-year program, earning a master's degree in one of 13 academic areas, with additional required course work focused on urban issues. Trinity Fellows also work in nonprofit Milwaukee organizations for 18 hours each week during the academic year and full time during the summer.
The Burke Scholars program annually offers up to 10 full scholarships to Marquette for academically talented Wisconsin high school seniors who exhibit leadership in a manner that reflects exceptional commitment to community. It was established in 1996 to nurture lifetime development of a humanitarian ethic expressed through service to others. Burke Scholars must maintain a 3.0 GPA and volunteer at least 300 hours of meaningful service every academic year and make the commitment that substantial service to others will remain a part of their lives after graduation.
