Marquette received a $7 million commitment from the Burke Foundation to continue two longstanding, highly regarded scholarship programs founded by Richard A. Burke: the Trinity Fellows program for graduate students and the Burke Scholars program for undergraduates. Both programs incorporate service to others, which is a key component of Jesuit higher education.
Burke, founder and former president of Trek Corp., was a 1956 graduate of Marquette’s College of Business Administration. He served on the university’s Board of Trustees from 1996 to 2005, and in 2005 he was elected trustee emeritus for life in recognition of his service to Marquette.
“We are both encouraged and inspired by Marquette University’s commitment and passion in fostering the next generation of leaders for social justice in Milwaukee,” said Tina Quealy, the foundation’s executive director.
“When we look at our model students who serve as women and men for and with others, we look no further than our Burke scholars and our Trinity fellows,” said President Michael R. Lovell. “We are extremely grateful to the Burke Foundation for helping us to live out our mission and for further investing in the future leaders of greater Milwaukee and our region.”
Burke Scholars celebrate 25th anniversary
This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the Burke Scholars program, which has produced 145 alumni who have conducted more than 177,000 hours of community service since the program began.
Burke Scholars have served at more than 90 community organizations in Milwaukee, and the program has encouraged undergraduate students not only to excel academically but also to develop a humanitarian ethic through a commitment to serving others. Burke Scholars are awarded annually to up to 10 academically talented Wisconsin high school seniors who receive four-year, full-tuition scholarships to Marquette.
Award winners participate in extracurricular activities sponsored by the program, as well as special academic programs focusing on the spirit of Jesuit education and service to others. Burke Scholars must maintain a 3.0 GPA and volunteer at least 300 hours of meaningful service every academic year.
Trinity Fellows program for graduate students
The Trinity Fellows program, which was created for graduate students, develops urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice – an ideal central to Marquette’s Catholic and Jesuit mission. In addition to their full-time studies, Trinity Fellows work in nonprofit Milwaukee organizations for 18 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during the summer. Fellows work in a variety of settings, including educational nonprofits, job training sites, schools, economic development partnerships and organizations dedicated to advocacy, neighborhood building, health, housing, and human services.
Applicants must meet graduate admission requirements. Prior Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, AmeriCorps or other comparable post-baccalaureate full-time volunteer service is also mandatory. Fellowships include a full-tuition scholarship and a monthly stipend for books, health insurance and other living expenses.
“We are incredibly grateful for the enduring and generous support of the Burke Foundation. One of our primary philanthropic objectives at Marquette is to expand educational opportunities for our students and provide access to life-changing experiences,” said Vice President of Advancement Tim McMahon. “Our Burke Scholars and Trinity Fellows are exceptional models for combining excellence in academics, service and leadership in meaningful ways that live out our mission far beyond campus.”
About the Burke Foundation:
The Burke Foundation is named in honor of Richard Burke, former Chairman of Trek Bicycle Corporation headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Dick Burke dedicated his life to investing in others. The Burke Foundation is committed to enhancing and improving the character, quality and access to education, the personal, social and intellectual development of children and youth, and the educational and social quality of community life. For more information, visit: www.theburkefoundation.org.