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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 recipient of the 2022 Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship was Alexander Smith and the recipients of the 2022 Clarence “Bob” Bauman Endowed Scholarship in Athletic Training were Emily Haley and Lauren Swords. 

SLU AT Scholarship Recipients 2022
SLU Athletic Training Scholarship Recipients (left to right): Alexander Smith, Lauren Swords, Emily Haley

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.

Smith was thrilled to find out he was named the recipient of the Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship and explained how he hoped to continue her legacy of selflessness.

“When I heard I was a recipient of the Brandi Burgett Scholarship, I was ecstatic,” Smith said. “Brandi’s willingness to help others and the needs of her athletes and patients above her own is something I want to strive for.”

In addition to the Burgett Scholarship, the SLU AT program was again able to award 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.

Haley was proud to be named a recipient of the Bauman Endowed Scholarship and expressed her admiration of the impact Bauman was able to have throughout his career.

“I felt grateful and honored when I found out I was a recipient of the Bauman Endowed Scholarship,” Haley said. “Bauman’s legacy has inspired me in so many ways on my journey to becoming an AT, but his compassion and dedication to serve is what sticks with me the most. Bauman’s legacy and this scholarship only encourage me further to always serve others compassionately as a health care professional.”

Swords was very proud to learn she was a recipient of the Bauman Endowed Scholarship. She explained how hoped she could emulate Bauman’s career in many ways.

“As a fellow Minnesota native, I strive to share Bauman’s compassion, leadership style and work ethic,” Swords said. “Bauman was a staple in his community for 60 years. I hope to have the opportunity to strengthen my own communities to ensure they will be around for many years for those who need them – just like Bauman.”

SLU Athletic Training Program Director Anthony Breitbach, Ph.D., ATC, FASAHP, was proud of all the scholarship recipients and thought they were each great representatives of the respective awards.

“We are so proud of these students’ accomplishments,” Dr. Breitbach said. “Lauren and Emily have balanced academic excellence with engagement and leadership inside and outside of our program. Alex’s dedication to the athletic training profession and work ethic in the classroom, clinical setting and extracurricular activities embodies Brandi Burgett’s spirit and legacy at SLU.”

All of the scholarship recipients will be honored at the annual SLU Athletic Training Speaker Series and Recognition Ceremony in February 2023.

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.