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.”
The first student selected to receive the scholarship, Ariel Tate-Gordon, is also a woman of commitment who is dedicated to serving others. As a member of the Student Leadership Council in the College of Health and Human Services and the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory committee in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs, Ms. Tate Gordon has taken a leadership role in advocating for the needs of other students. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary health services, she plans to go on for a master’s degree in either social work or business administration and then focus on a career in mortuary science.
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 in need of support to continue in the program. Learn more about the scholarship at https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraElizabethBurgett .
Photo caption: Ariel Tate-Gordon, center, accepting scholarship award with Alexandra Burgett’s parents, Mark (left) and Molly, at her side.
Story and photo courtesy of the WMU College of Health and Human Services