Lincoln Pius X Catholic High School

Richard & Dorothy Burke Memorial Scholarship

Richard, Sr. & Dorothy were lifelong residents of Lincoln and graduates of Cathedral High School (1936 and 1935). In 1942, they married in California, where he was stationed with the U.S. Army before being sent to Europe during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star during that time.

Upon returning home at the end of the war, Richard, Sr. and Dorothy settled into married life and raised their family. As their parents before them sacrificed to provide a Catholic education, so too, did they. Their children, Richard, Jr. and Marysue, attended a Catholic elementary school and both graduated from Pius X in 1966 and 1971.

At the time of his death in 1987, Richard, Sr. was Executive Director of the Lincoln Housing Authority (LHA). Under his direction the LHA grew to provide high quality housing for low income families and elderly in Lincoln. He was sensitive to the plight of others and would often give grocery money out of his own pocket to help a client in need. He was especially proud of the LHA facilities that provided safe, affordable, quality apartments for low-income elderly, and was always especially touched by the needs of children. The Lincoln Housing Authority gained national recognition for its success under his leadership and Burke Plaza, a high rise for low income elderly, was named in his honor by the LHA Board of Directors.

Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother who spent many hours volunteering at St. Teresa’s church and school. She enjoyed her work at Bryan Hospital and the opportunity to help those with loved ones who were hospitalized. She recited the rosary daily until her death in 2005.

Excerpts from student thank-you letters

“Thank you so much for the scholarship money. It helped my family as well as me and lifted a lot of stress off our shoulders. I love Pius! My parents love Pius, too. Going to a Catholic school my whole life has been a very big part of growing in my faith. I know for a fact I will send my own kids (if God wills it) to Catholic schools because I cannot imagine an upbringing without it. The administration is really great. I know I am always able to go to my teachers with questions or just advice….I enjoy going on the spring and fall retreats and plan to go on them my next two years at Pius. This past summer I went on a TEC (teens encountering Christ) retreat and it was truly a life changing experience. I learned about God’s love for me and I hope to be on the leadership crew in coming years. The group of friends I went with still gets together to pray and talk about challenges we’ve encountered in high school and how to get through them. This coming school year I will be a junior. I have enjoyed my past two years at Pius very much….I have been in Student Council since last year and plan on joining SOADA club and becoming more involved with ambassadors. Thank you again.”

“Thank you for choosing me as a recipient of [the Richard & Dorothy Burke Memorial Scholarship]. I have six siblings, one of whom has severe autism…I am the first to go to Pius. I am so excited to go to Pius! I am excited to be challenged in academics. I also am really excited because I made Varsity Spectrum (show choir) as a freshman! …I am excited to help Fr. Bernardo with altar serving, and become a member of his after-school chapel cleaning club. I am also hoping to try out for basketball in the winter. My favorite subjects are Geometry, History and Religion….This scholarship helps my family financially. My dad works hard…He puts in so many hours. My mom stays at home and works to maintain our household. She works extra hours to help my disabled sister. I worked a part time job this summer babysitting for my neighbor’s family. This money will help me to attend Pius, I am very grateful!”

richard dorothy burke scholarship
Established in 2005
Students Supported: 15+

Donate to this scholarship by typing the fund name into the designation box on our donation form.

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