END NOTE

“Since he began working at Trinity-Pawling in 2002, he has become nearly synonymous with the School in the eyes of the students and his colleagues. He epitomizes the ideals of hard work, an ethos of effort, and kindness that the School espouses and seeks to develop in its students. One might even suggest that he has begun to take on the appearance of a friendly version of our mascot, the Lion. On behalf of the entire Trinity-Pawling community, it is my pleasure to present this year’s Dunbar Award for Service to our Gentle Lion, Chris Dunbar Burke or just ‘Burkey’.”

— HEAD OF SCHOOL BILL TAYLOR

AT THE TRINITY-PAWLING SCHOOL

COMMENCEMENT ON MAY 28, 2022

Chris Burke P’09 –The Heart and Soul of Trinity-Pawling

BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

You spent 15 years on the maintenance staff and then were promoted to Director of Building Services in 2017. You’re now the Dean of Clean!

So many good people have supported me over the course of my career here. If I were to name any, I’d have to list the entire staff and faculty! But Ed Hauser, Ron Gallagher, Glenn Carey, Arch Smith, and Bill Taylor have always believed in me and helped me grow.

When Ed Hauser hired me in March 2002, I told him he could call me an all-purpose employee. On the maintenance crew, I tended the grounds, painted, ran the Zamboni, set up for major events, and dealt with emergencies as they arose. Whatever needed to be done. Now, as Director of Building Services, I see myself as a concierge. I see a need, and I find a way to take care of it. When my phone rings, I answer it. When someone needs help, I reach out. My goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

What’s your secret sauce?

I always give credit where credit is due. Pats on the back or a sincere thank you are genuine boosts that keep people going and show you recognize a job that’s been well done. My staff has been my rock. Most have been here for years, and I’m always learning from them.

I sense a symbiotic relationship: you take care of the School; the School takes care of you.

I knew nothing about prep schools until I joined the maintenance staff. My wife, Val, started working in the admissions office at Hotchkiss that same year. My son C.J. came here in seventh grade and graduated in 2009. We’re incredibly indebted for that opportunity. Val was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. The T-P community was incredible; they stepped up immediately to take care of us. Katie Berlandi P’27 set up a weekly meal train that sustained us for at least six months. I’m grateful for everything the School has given me and my family — that motivates me to keep working hard.

You had quite a run in late May 2022: you received the Dunbar Award for Service to the Community at Commencement, and you were recognized with a standing ovation for 20 years of employment at the end-of-the-year dinner.

It was both an honor and humbling to achieve these milestones. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this place. To earn the Dunbar Award while my parents were still alive means a lot to me. My middle name is Dunbar, in fact! Trinity-Pawling has been my life for the past 20 years. It’s more than a job; it’s my extended family.