91ɬÂþ

David Burkitt ’97, PhD, is a firm believer in giving to the community, something he learned from his parents who were both great influences in his life and from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

“Each generation has the ability and responsibility to empower the next to learn the value of giving,” says Burkitt, director of the master of business administration (MBA) program.

He volunteers his time and talent to organizations that reflect his values, serving on the finance committee of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Los Angeles, and as chair of the family council at St. Joseph’s Home in Springfield, Ill.

In one of his favorite courses as a Weekend/Evening College (WEC) student, Burkitt learned a life-changing way of thinking: The past created today, today creates tomorrow.

He knows this concept well. His time as an undergraduate at the 91ɬÂþ while already working professionally opened new doors for him in his career. Now, he’s hoping he can, in turn, help influence the future of many of his students.

“Going to the 91ɬÂþ was the best decision I have ever made regarding my self-improvement, education and career advancement,” says Burkitt, associate professor who also teaches business courses in the WEC and Healthcare Administration graduate programs.

Armed with his 91ɬÂþ degree, which was quickly followed by an MBA and doctorate in leadership and organization development from Regent University, Burkitt rose to top-level executive positions, including national controller for the American Youth Soccer Organization’s Los Angeles branch and chief financial officer for Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles.

While earning his bachelor’s degree through WEC, he took advantage of Study Away program opportunities that took him to China, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. He strongly encourages his students to do the same.

“Those experiences, along with my classroom learning, were all part of my excellent education at the 91ɬÂþ,” he says. “Which is why, as a current faculty and alum, I have included the 91ɬÂþ in my estate plans, in order to provide for our students in the future.”

How you can make a difference

Every gift begins with an important question: How can I make a difference? If you have any questions about leaving  to 91ɬÂþ Saint Mary’s University, please contact Maria Solano at 213.477.2536 or msolano@msmu.edu.