New Scholarship Honors Athletic Training Grad

05/11/2018

Saint Louis University’s Athletic Training Program has announced the creation of the Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship.

The scholarship was created in memory of Brandi Burgett, a 2017 graduate of the program, who came to SLU to study athletic training despite living with the pain and other symptoms of Crohn’s Disease. Burgett’s parents, Bob and Marnie Burgett, along with her family and friends, made a gift to help establish the scholarship in her honor. The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Society (SLATS) also dedicated all of the proceeds from its annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser to the scholarship fund.

Despite the challenges presented by her disease, Burgett was known for her passion for her studies and for inspiring her peers through her involvement in a variety of activities across campus.

Burgett’s parents said they hoped the scholarship would carry on the passion their daughter had for helping others, by making it possible for other students to follow in Brandi’s footsteps.

“Our hope is that we can make a difference in a young person’s life,” the Burgetts said. “We want to help make a difference and help another student with some funds that will get them through a rough time.” The couple credited Anthony Breitbach, Ph.D., with modeling the kind of scholarship and field engagement that inspired Brandi to pursue her Master of Athletic Training degree, despite the challenges she faced.

“Brandi was proud to be a Billiken and wholeheartedly supported her program and all of those who made it possible,” her parents noted. “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.”

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 Brandi showed, and will one who is involved in activities within the program. Preference will be given to applicants who have had to overcome adversity in their pursuit of completing their degrees.

Doisy College of Health Sciences is set to award the scholarship for the first time for the upcoming 2018-2019 academic year.

"In the Doisy College of Health Sciences, we are a family,” Mardell Wilson, Ed.D., dean of Doisy College explained. “Whenever we lose someone from our family, it is heartbreaking. 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.”