A dear friend of TFAS, Kevin Burket (ICPES 85) passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2007 after a brief battle with cancer. Kevin always brought a ready smile, caring personality and passion for the TFAS mission whenever he attended an event, meeting or any other TFAS activity.
Burket attended the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems (ICPES) program in 1985 and stayed involved with the organization almost from the day of his graduation. He was founding president of the Washington, D.C. alumni chapter, received the Alumni Service Award in 2006 and was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Regents.
“Perhaps most important were the many unofficial, untitled and unrewarded ways in which Kevin served this organization. It didn’t matter if we needed someone to cook hamburgers for the annual student/alumni BBQ, a new internship site, a mentor for a student or someone to carry heavy boxes to an event – we knew we could always count on Kevin.”
– TFAS President Roger Ream (ICPES 76)
Professionally, Burket had a long career with the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. He was previously the director of correspondence for Congressman Amory Houghton (R-New York). Burket graduated from the State University of New York, Oswego with a degree in political science.
Burket is the son of Kenneth and Sharon Burket of Horseheads, New York. His mother died on Sunday, September 2, 2007, one day after her son, following her own battle with cancer. Burket is survived by his father; sister and brother-in-law, Kelly and David Brosnahan, their children, Erin, Ryan and Sean, all of Davie, Florida; and grandmother, Marjorie Walker of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Burket benefited from the loving support of many friends during his time of need.
Burket was an integral part of TFAS. He will remain with TFAS in spirit, even if not in person. His influence on staff and alumni has been profound.
To honor his service to TFAS, The Kevin M. Burket Alumni Service Award has been created. The award will be presented to one alumnus each year who best exemplifies Burket’s commitment to TFAS and its alumni and students.
Donations in Kevin’s memory may be directed to Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.