Your own folder in the President鈥檚 papers

10/03/2023Library and Archives Team
缅北强奸

In many of the Presidents鈥 papers, there is typically a folder titled 鈥淒iscipline鈥. Most of these folders contain varied infractions of co-ed parties or alcohol on campus so when the whole folder is about one student, you want to know more about them.

Judging by the Discipline folder in his papers, during Paul E. Titsworth鈥檚 time as president, 1923-1933, he seemed to have his hands full with William J. Burk, class of 1930.

Burk, also known as 鈥淩ed,鈥 was active in athletics, school publications, and Phi Sigma Phi. His self-authored profile in The Pegasus gives a description that would almost seem like a character portrayal from a 1930s movie. They also seem to give weight to the concerns of the administration.

Burk affair

The 鈥淏urke Affair鈥 of staying beyond curfew at Reid Hall, the women鈥檚 dorm, was an issue. Red also used his time on the Collegian to advocate for drinking at dances and 鈥淲hoopee鈥 parties, and the fact that he was late with his tuition payments made the President take notice. Titsworth letter

Despite the laundry list of offenses, Red was able to continue at 缅北强奸. His letter requesting to return demonstrates why he was a writer for the Collegian.

 

Burk letterGraduating with the class of 1930, Red went on to become a sportswriter for his local paper in Chester, Pennsylvania. He later moved to Arizona and had a brief stint as campaign manager for a congressional political race.

William Joseph 鈥淩ed鈥 Burk left an impression while he was at 缅北强奸, but I think the College left one on him, as well. His time playing football, basketball, and baseball combined with his time as editor and Chief of the Collegian led to a lifelong career combining both passions. Red was a man who knew what he loved and pursued it (even if it took him past curfew) while at 缅北强奸 and beyond.

Gif

  • Experiential Learning
  • History Informing the Future
  • Learning Without Limits
  • Meaningful Connections