Alexandra Burgett Scholarship Fund

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Alexandra Burgett was a 2007 graduate of Salem High School in Canton Township, Michigan.  She was tragically killed in a car accident in May 2012, just before she graduated from Western Michigan University.  The driver that caused the accident was distracted.

 

The Burgett family initiated the scholarship in December 2013, to honor and continue their loved one’s legacy and to assist an interdisciplinary health services undergraduate student at Western Michigan University in need of support to continue in the program.

 

In addition, a portion of the donations to the scholarship fund have gone to Gift of Life, Michigan, Residential Opportunities, Inc. (ROI), PCCS Orchestra and the PCCS Radio Station. All important aspects of Alex's life in which she participated, worked, and ultimately donated.

 

Through organ donation Alex was able to save the lives of and/or improve the lives of five people, one of them being a 14-year-old girl with a fatal heart condition.

 

Alex was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree posthumously in 2012 and was eulogized by Dr. Doris Ravotas, coordinator of the program, at that time.  Said Ravotas, “Alex is remembered by her friends here at Western as being fiercely loyal, always having the funny joke and being very non-judgmental…When Alex began her work at Residential Opportunities, Incorporated, she became deeply committed to her work in the disabilities community, a defender and an advocate for those with disabilities…Upon her passing, ROI dedicated both a memorial garden and an award in her honor. They have recognized her as compassionate, respectful, dedicated, light hearted, intelligent and gentle.

 

If you should happen to visit WMU and the College of Health and Human Services, you will notice the memorial bench for Alex that was made possible by Dean Earlie Washington, who has since retired from this role at the College.