The Purdue family was saddened by the recent passing of former athletic director Morgan Burke, a university giant who enjoyed an unparalleled 23-year run as the school’s athletic director that ended in 2016. He was one of just three men to hold the Purdue A.D. job since 1942: Guy Mackey (1942-71); George King (1971-92); Burke (1993-2016).
Burke left an indelible mark at Purdue. But his run as A.D. in West Lafayette—which began in January 1993—almost ended after five years. In October 1997, Purdue said he would be stepping down in February 1998 to take a job at Inland Steel as vice president for human resources. He previously had worked at Inland Steel prior to coming to Purdue.
But in December 1997, Burke had a change of heart and announced he would remain at Purdue as A.D., staying on the job another 19 years until 2016 and forging a legacy noted for facility building.
What if Burke had opted not to return to Purdue in late 1997? Who would have replaced him as athletic director?
At the time, then Purdue president Steven Beering said: “We’ll be looking for a clone of Morgan Burke. We believe in what he represents as an experienced manager and business person. Our situation has been copied by many universities. Morgan has provided us with outstanding leadership during his tenure at Purdue.”
Burke was part of growing trend of athletic directors who had business backgrounds. And Beering liked that. Beering also wanted an A.D. who had a “Purdue connection,” which Burke did as an alum and former captain of the swimming team.
In the Oct. 17, 1997 issue, Gold and Black Illustrated ran the results of an on-line poll that asked people who they would like to see as the next A.D.
Bart Burrell was the overwhelming favorite followed by Iowa State A.D. Gene Smith. Others who received votes: Dick Dauch, Tim Foley and Mark Herrmann.
Dauch was a Purdue fullback in 1961 and 1963 and a long-time Chrysler executive.
Wilber was president and CEO of Del Wilber and Associates and was MVP of the 1965 Purdue baseball team.
Burrell (1977-80), Herrmann (1977-80) and Foley (1967-69) were former Purdue football standouts.
GBI also mentioned Dr. Tom Templin, the former Director of Recreational Sports who at the time was the department head of HKLS (School of Health, Kinesiology, Leisure Studies). He was on the previous A.D. search committee.
Who do you think Purdue would have hired if Burke didn’t return to Purdue in 1997? How would a different A.D. have impacted the tenures of Joe Tiller and Gene Keady? What would it have meant to Purdue facilities?
Share your thoughts.
Burke left an indelible mark at Purdue. But his run as A.D. in West Lafayette—which began in January 1993—almost ended after five years. In October 1997, Purdue said he would be stepping down in February 1998 to take a job at Inland Steel as vice president for human resources. He previously had worked at Inland Steel prior to coming to Purdue.
But in December 1997, Burke had a change of heart and announced he would remain at Purdue as A.D., staying on the job another 19 years until 2016 and forging a legacy noted for facility building.
What if Burke had opted not to return to Purdue in late 1997? Who would have replaced him as athletic director?
At the time, then Purdue president Steven Beering said: “We’ll be looking for a clone of Morgan Burke. We believe in what he represents as an experienced manager and business person. Our situation has been copied by many universities. Morgan has provided us with outstanding leadership during his tenure at Purdue.”
Burke was part of growing trend of athletic directors who had business backgrounds. And Beering liked that. Beering also wanted an A.D. who had a “Purdue connection,” which Burke did as an alum and former captain of the swimming team.
In the Oct. 17, 1997 issue, Gold and Black Illustrated ran the results of an on-line poll that asked people who they would like to see as the next A.D.
Bart Burrell was the overwhelming favorite followed by Iowa State A.D. Gene Smith. Others who received votes: Dick Dauch, Tim Foley and Mark Herrmann.
Dauch was a Purdue fullback in 1961 and 1963 and a long-time Chrysler executive.
Wilber was president and CEO of Del Wilber and Associates and was MVP of the 1965 Purdue baseball team.
Burrell (1977-80), Herrmann (1977-80) and Foley (1967-69) were former Purdue football standouts.
GBI also mentioned Dr. Tom Templin, the former Director of Recreational Sports who at the time was the department head of HKLS (School of Health, Kinesiology, Leisure Studies). He was on the previous A.D. search committee.
Who do you think Purdue would have hired if Burke didn’t return to Purdue in 1997? How would a different A.D. have impacted the tenures of Joe Tiller and Gene Keady? What would it have meant to Purdue facilities?
Share your thoughts.
