SLU Athletic Training Program Awards Annual Burgett and Bauman Scholarships
The Saint Louis University (SLU) Athletic Training (AT) program recently awarded its two annual scholarships to graduate students within the program. The recipients of the 2020 Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship were Jose Blanco and Kate Perko. In addition, Blanco and Perko were also named the recipients of the 2020 Clarence “Bob” Bauman Endowed Scholarship in Athletic Training.
The Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship was created in memory of Brandi Burgett, MAT – a 2017 graduate of the SLU AT program who passed away in December 2017 after battling a chronic medical condition during her time in the program. The scholarship recognizes a student entering their second year in the professional phase of the program who displays the same courage, determination and passion for the profession as Burgett. Generous gifts from Brandi’s parents – Robert and Marnie Burgett - family, friends, students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Students Society (SLATS) and others have allowed the Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship to grow and continue to reward hardworking students each year.
Blanco was honored to find out he was awarded the Burgett Scholarship and was eager to try to live up to the legacy that she left on SLU’s AT program.
“Brandi Burgett was an athletic training student who really left her mark on SLU and all around the world of athletic training,” Blanco said. “This inspires me to be like her and try to have a positive impact on the patients that I have the opportunity to treat.”
Brandi Burgett’s life story impacted Perko as well; it demonstrated to her the togetherness of the athletic training community.
“Brandi Burgett’s legacy is evidence for me and other future AT students that you are never alone. The AT faculty does a great job of being there for their students during and after college,” Perko said. “Brandi’s legacy inspires me to ensure that the athletes I serve always have someone by their side.”
In addition to the Burgett Scholarship, the SLU AT program was again able to award two recipients with the Clarence “Bob” Bauman Endowed Scholarship in Athletic Training. Bauman was a model for aspiring athletic trainers and a tremendous positive influence in his community. Bauman took care of SLU athletes and St. Louis Cardinals athletes for over 50 years as an athletic trainer – earning him a spot in both the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and SLU Halls of Fame. The Bauman Scholarship recognizes outstanding athletic training students entering the second professional year in the SLU AT program.
Impressed by Bauman’s impact on the athletic training community, Blanco explained his desire to follow his lead and be an inspiration to others.
“As a well-known athletic trainer, Bob Bauman showed dedication and hard work throughout his career. His profile inspires me to work hard for those I treat and try to inspire them as well,” Blanco said. “I want to inspire others and help them achieve what they want to accomplish the most.”
SLU Athletic Training Program Director Anthony Breitbach, Ph.D., ATC, FASAHP, was proud of both of the scholarship recipients and thought they were each great representatives of the respective awards.
“Congratulations to Kate and Jose on their recognition with both the Bauman and Burgett awards, each with their own unique criteria,” Dr. Breitbach said. “It speaks to their accomplishments at Saint Louis University and dedication to the profession of athletic training.”
The scholarship recipients will be formally recognized in February 2021 at the annual Saint Louis University Athletic Training Speaker Series and Recognition Ceremony.
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.