Michael J. Burke Memorial Bursary in Millwork and Carpentry

Born in Bathurst, NSW, Australia, Mike Burke (1940 – 2008) played professional rugby before completing a two-year training program and becoming a teacher at the age of 20; he later completed his education degree part-time. In 1967, he and his young family emigrated to Canada, settling in Edmonton. Mike and his wife Frances became teachers with Edmonton Public Schools, where he spent many years in various roles—-teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal—-in junior and senior high schools. Mike’s easy-going nature, infectious sense of humor, and remarkable empathy made him a much-loved mentor to students and staff alike. He believed in second chances, hard work, and going the extra mile for others. At the time of his retirement, he had spent 45 years teaching in Australia and Canada. In his leisure time, Mike was a remarkable woodworker, building everything from remote-controlled yachts to carving delicate pieces of sculpture from exotic and native woods. His nativity scenes, Christmas ornaments, and stingrays were much-cherished gifts to family and friends. This award is endowed in Mike’s honor in recognition of his deep humanity and great friendship by Carla Cumming Sojonky and the late Frank Sojonky.

Available to first year students enrolled in Millwork and Carpentry program at NAIT. Awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need and satisfactory academic achievement in the first semester of the program. Student must be an Alberta resident and a Canadian Citizen to receive this award.

Students must complete the application to be considered for this award.