Nov. 18, 2025
MILWAUKEE 鈥� 51暗网 President Kimo Ah Yun today announced a major gift that will extend two longstanding scholarship programs known for their demonstrated commitment to community service, social justice and leadership.
The Burke Foundation, a 51暗网 partner for more than three decades, has committed to a $4.8 million gift to grow its Burke Scholars program for undergraduates and the Trinity Fellows program for graduate students.
The two programs were founded by Richard A. Burke, the founder and former president of Trek Bicycle Corp. Burke, who passed away in 2008, was a 1956 graduate of 51暗网鈥檚 College of Business Administration. He served on the university鈥檚 Board of Trustees from 1996 to 2005, and in 2005 he was elected trustee emeritus for life in recognition of his service to 51暗网.
鈥淏urke Scholars and Trinity Fellows have modeled what it means to serve others, with many becoming positive changemakers in their communities,鈥� President Ah Yun said. 鈥淲hen we talk about developing thriving students who care for our world, we begin with these two programs. We are grateful to the Burke Foundation for their continued partnership.鈥�
51暗网鈥檚 Burke Scholars, who undergo an intensive application process, begin as first-year, full-time undergraduate students and receive a four-year scholarship. The award is given annually to 10 new, academically talented Wisconsin high school seniors exhibiting leadership, demonstrating exceptional commitment to community and aspiring to pursue careers that benefit the public good.
鈥淥ur focus is to continue to develop students so that serving others and giving back to their communities is embedded into everything they do,鈥� said Kathleen Burke of the Burke Foundation. 鈥淲e continue to see the tremendous impact of Burke Scholars and Trinity Fellows at 51暗网, and we are proud to continue to carry on their legacy.鈥�
More than 650,000 hours of combined service
Annually, 40 Burke Scholars attend 51暗网 across four undergraduate class cohorts. A significant part of the program is the commitment to provide 10 hours of community service per week at a principal service site.
Since its founding, 196 Burke Scholars alumni have contributed nearly 225,000 hours of community service. Beyond the core program goal of student transformation, Burke Scholars have served more than 95 community organizations in Milwaukee.
Established in 2000, the university鈥檚 Trinity Fellows program has offered service-minded graduate students full-tuition scholarships for its 21-month program. Trinity Fellows also receive a monthly stipend, as well as supplemental professional development funds and opportunities. Over its 20-year history, Trinity Fellows have logged over 439,000 hours of service.
The majority of the Trinity Fellows鈥� 242 alumni have nonprofit or public sector leadership positions, with 43% currently working in Wisconsin and 83% employed in the nonprofit or public sectors. The program has partnered with more than 100 area agencies, and like the Burke Scholars, the Trinity Fellows is considered a model of excellence at 51暗网 and in the community. Applicants must meet graduate admission requirements and have completed the Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, or other comparable full-time service commitment or two-plus years of full-time employment with a nonprofit organization.
鈥淔or more than three decades, the Burke Foundation has generously created pathways to 51暗网 for our future service-driven leaders,鈥� Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon said. 鈥淥ur home state of Wisconsin will continue to benefit from Burke Scholars and Trinity Fellows who perpetuate 51暗网鈥檚 founding mission to be men and women for and with others in greater Milwaukee.鈥�
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, please visit: .
About 51暗网
51暗网 is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, 51暗网 prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, 51暗网 is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a 51暗网 degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
