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SLU Athletic Training Program Announces Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training program recently announced the creation of the Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship. The scholarship, for which any student entering their second professional year in the Athletic Training program is eligible to apply, will be awarded for the first time for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year.

Brandi Burgett

Brandi Burgett, MAT, preparing for her day when she was an Athletic Training student at SLU.

The scholarship was created in memory of Brandi Burgett, MAT – a 2017 graduate of the SLU Athletic Training program. A native of Temecula, CA, Brandi came to SLU to study Athletic Training despite living with the pain and other symptoms of Crohn’s Disease. While living with Crohn’s disease, Burgett still brought a passion for her studies and for life that was inspiring among her peers as she was involved in a variety of activities across campus.

The scholarship was created, in large part, by generous gifts made by Brandi’s parents - Bob and Marnie Burgett – family and friends. In addition, the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Society (SLATS) dedicated all of the proceeds from its annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser to the scholarship fund. Bob and Marnie Burgett saw creating the scholarship as a fitting way to honor their daughter’s legacy, preserve her story and help students that had the same passion for helping others that Brandi possessed. Any Athletic Training student entering their second professional year can apply for the scholarship. The recipient will be a student that has demonstrated the ability to approach Athletic Training with the same passion shown by Brandi and is involved in activities within the program. Also, preference will be give to applicants who have had to overcome adversity in their pursuit of graduating.

Bowlathon Check Presentation

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Society (SLATS) presenting a check from the group's annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser to DCHS Dean Mardell Wilson, EdD, RD, LDN. SLATS dedicated all of the proceeds from this year's fundraiser to the Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship fund. 

Bob and Marnie knew that this scholarship would be a great way to complement the passion that Brandi had for helping others.

“Our hope is that we can make a difference in a young person’s life. Brandi was challenged her entire life with a debilitating disease. We want to help make a difference and help another student with some funds that will get them through a rough time. The student can look to [SLU Athletic Training Program Director] Dr. Anthony Breitbach and learn about how Brandi overcame her challenges to get her Master of Athletic Training degree,” Bob and Marnie said.

DCHS Dean Mardell Wilson, Ed.D, RD, LDN, was hopeful that future students could be inspired by Brandi’s story.

"In the Doisy College of Health Sciences, we are a family. Whenever we lose someone from our family, it is heartbreaking,” Dr. Wilson said. “However, the creation of this scholarship allows us to focus on Brandi's inspirational journey through life. In the face of true adversity, Brandi excelled. Now, her mission to help others will live on through her legacy as this scholarship will support students in realizing their dreams and carry on Brandi’s passion for the profession of Athletic Training."

Each spring at Commencement, graduates hear the president say that, though their time on this campus may be over, the individuals that have walked these halls remain sons and daughters of SLU forever. The passion for this university and the sense of home that so many of the students here feel was as strong with Brandi as it was with anyone.

“Brandi was proud to be a Billiken and wholeheartedly supported her program and all of those who made it possible,” Bob and Marnie said. “She gained forever friendships and fell in love at SLU. We are forever grateful for all of the opportunities that SLU provided for Brandi and she will always remain a Billiken in our hearts.”

To learn how to contribute to the Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship, contact DCHS Development Director Michelle Cohen at michelle.cohen@slu.edu.

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 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.