That's DOCTOR Burke to You.....

On Friday, May 14, Robert D. Burke received the highest honor that Purdue University can bestow, when he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from President France Cordova during Purdue's 210th commencement ceremony.
Dozens of family members and friends looked on as Burke was honored, and most attended a pre-graduation reception in his honor put on by the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, who nominated Burke for the award.
In receognizing Burke, department head Rob Swihart acknowledged that Burke received his forestry degree from Purdue in 1960, before a distinguished post-war career at Pierson-Hollowell Veneer Company in Lawrenceburn, IN, where he served as a log buyer for the tri-state region of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. He also managed the timber properties owned by the company. Swihart went on to say, "As one of the first foresters certified by the Society of American Foresters, Burke is an acknowledged authority on hardwood foresty. He is sought out regularly by industry, private landowners, state and federal government leaders for advice and direction in the management of hardwood forests. In recognition of his contributions to the advancement of forestry, he was elected as a SAF fellow in 1985."
Swihart detailed some of Burke's leadership history as well, noting that he is a co-founder of the international Walnut Council and a co-founder of the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center at Purdue. He serves on the Forestry Committee of the Chicago Climate Exchange, and the National Association for Conservation Districts.
Swihart went on to relate other honors and recognitions far too lengthy to list here, but truly mind-numbing when taken in total. He's literally known around the world for his work in forestry, which spans over six decades. We will put the entire biographical summary that was prepared by Swihart on www.ihla.org for all to see. Now in his seventies, Bob's involvment in forestry and related organizations has not slowed, in fact it has possibly grown. While clearly and understandably proud of his contributions to hardwoods tree management and improvement, Bob is as humble as can be, and the same friendly individual to everyone he meets. His genuine heart and good nature is the reason he has friends of all ages and backgrounds, and there are droves of people from Indiana to other continents who are proud to call Bob their friend.
Congratulations to a real Hoosier legend, Dr. Bob Burke!