Gerald Burke speaks fondly of his late brother, Guy, whose sporadic journey through NC State inspired an estate gift to support scholarships for students in the College of Engineering.
“Well, he was an ol’ bachelor,” Gerald said with a chuckle.
Guy Burke passed away on March 22, 2019. Though he left behind no children, his bequest — a gift made through an estate or trust — to NC State ensures his legacy will carry on because of the students his scholarship supports.
The “Who”
Guy Burke was the eldest of four children and grew up in Taylorsville, North Carolina. His brothers, Gerald and David, remember him being a good student and a decent baseball player. In the fall of 1953, Guy’s childhood fascination with airplanes led him to NC State, where he majored in mechanical and aeronautical engineering.
Guy’s first two years were fairly typical. He lived in Owen Hall, served in ROTC — compulsory at the time — and did his coursework. Gerald said that Guy was gifted at writing and drawing, but engineering did not come easily for him.
“I think he was very proud of the fact that he had a tough time getting through the engineering school, but he did it anyway,” said Gerald.
In May 1955, tragedy struck the Burke family with the passing of their father, Walton. Though their mother was able to provide for the family’s necessities, there were no extra funds available for Guy’s schooling.
So, Guy went to school in intervals – taking a semester off to work and returning once he had saved enough for the next semester. He lived in a relative’s hunting lodge and designed bridges for the state highway department as a draftsman.
“It’s really a story of determination to be an engineer from NC State.”
In 1959, Guy’s matriculation was again interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served two years at Fort Sill in Oklahoma as an artillery instructor. Gerald said he enjoyed teaching and was sure to get involved with the base’s softball team.
He completed his military service and in the summer of 1962, Guy was finally able to finish his courses.
When looking back on Guy’s experience, his brother David said, “It’s really a story of determination to be an engineer from NC State.”
Guy spent the next 30 years employed as a civilian in the U.S. Navy. His education prepared him to work on the first military applications of GPS, long before the technology reached consumer markets.
Beyond his profession, Guy was a sports fanatic, collecting memorabilia of his favorite teams. He was a season ticket holder for the NFL’s Washington Commanders and never missed a game. After retiring to Cary, North Carolina, to care for his sister, Janice, Guy became a regular attendee at NC State athletics events, as well as cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes professional hockey team.
The “How”
In 1997, Guy contacted NC State’s College of Engineering to discuss how he could make a contribution. After a few months of contemplation, he determined that a bequest would be the best option for him. Guy made a provision in his will for a portion of his estate to go to NC State.
His own college experience guided his designation, and he chose to create a scholarship for students in the College of Engineering based on both merit and need.
Throughout his life, Guy was a fastidious investor, contributing to a host of mutual funds even up to a few months prior to his passing. David described him as a cautious and intentional investor.
“He lived a disciplined life, not an extravagant one. Along the way, he thought he needed to help somebody,” David said.
As the executor of his estate, David worked with the Office of Gift Planning to honor Guy’s wishes. The Burke Endowment has been supporting students for six years, and that will continue for many more.
The Impact
The Burke Endowment has made awards to students in the College of Engineering every year since 2020. In the 2025-26 academic year, 15 students from across all class years have received scholarships supported by the endowment.
Some of the students face the same challenges that Guy did nearly 70 years ago — navigating family financial circumstances and working through school. Though each of their situations are unique, the common thread remains that the scholarship allows them to invest more into their college experience, rather than worrying about funding.
In Their Own Words
Angela Sarahi Hernandez ’28
“The Burke Endowment has allowed me to attend NC State as a fulltime student rather than being a part-time student. Spending more time on campus has enabled me to focus on my academics and pursue undergraduate research.”
J. Blake Patterson ’27
“The Burke Endowment has allowed me to pursue my degree without the burden of student loan debt, limiting my stress and making my NC State experience more enjoyable.”
Marshall Merz ’27
“I have had to support myself financially through college, working year round to pay my tuition and housing fees. The Burke Endowment has eased that burden, giving me the ability to spend more time on my studies and creating memorable college experiences.”
Owen Lee ’28
“Without the Burke Endowment Scholarship, I would be constantly fretting over my financial situation even years after I have graduated. This scholarship has been a huge relief to me.”
Paul Linder ’27
“The Burke Endowment has let me branch out. Instead of working to afford tuition, I can take on a greater course load and seek voluntary employment in research labs.”
Samantha Cohn ’29
“When I committed to NC State, I was nervous about the rigor of the engineering program. The Burke Endowment Scholarship gave me more than just funding; it gave me the confidence and motivation I needed to pursue my passions.”
Savanna Reimels ’29
“As the last of three to go to college, I am hyper aware of the financial impact of higher education. I have watched my parents and siblings work to overcome the debt obtained from pursuing a college education. This scholarship has given me financial relief, and the freedom to pursue classes I am passionate about for the full four years of undergrad.”
Timothy Diep ’28
“After filling out tens of dozens of scholarship applications for which I was denied, I started to feel dejected. The Burke Endowment Scholarship was the first award that I had ever received. Beyond the funding for school, the scholarship validated all the work I was doing to be successful and renewed my sense of purpose in engineering.”
Victoria Blain ’29
“When considering college, the financing has always been an obstacle for me. The Burke Scholarship Endowment has given me a sense of comfort during my first year at NC State. I am freer to focus on my studies instead of worrying about affording tuition.”
Guy’s Legacy
After Guy’s father passed, the local Lion’s Club chapter that his father had been a member of loaned him $500 for school, telling him to pay it back when he could. By the time Guy was able to make good on the loan, the club simply told him to give the money to his sister for her schooling.
The club directed his sister to do the same thing for Gerald. That $500 helped three of the Burke siblings through school, finally paid back by Gerald to a club treasurer who had no recollection or record of the loan.
Perhaps this gift came to mind the day Guy called NC State in 1997. One thing that is certain was Guy’s compassion for students who faced challenges while pursuing an education.
“I want people to know that he had a great empathy for students who have financial challenges in trying to get through school,” said David.
For the people who knew him, Guy will be remembered as a bachelor and collector who loved all things Washington Commanders and NC State. But for the students who receive his scholarship, he will be the man who believed in their dreams 30 years before they existed.
If you would like to learn more about how you can create your legacy at NC State contact the Office of Gift Planning at 919.515.5106 or [email protected].
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