Foundations of Legacy: Dean and Debbie Burke

Now, Debbie Burke works in the Department of Flight as the director of business, and Dean works as the foreman of the Transportation and Acting Grounds department. Embry‑Riddle has shaped their relationship and touched their lives in numerous ways — and here, they share insights into their journey and experiences.

Can you share a favorite memory or milestone from your time at the university?

32 years ago, a chance encounter occurred at a vending machine in M Building that changed our lives forever. The exchange was an invitation to dinner.

One year later, we were married in what was truly an Embry‑Riddle wedding! The ladies in the Physical Plant (now Facilities) and several others throughout the university offered to help plan our wedding. From bouquets, invitations, reception planning and venue, a beautiful wedding cake, and church and pastoral services — they had us covered. This year, we will celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary, and we certainly consider that our favorite memory from our time with the university.

Can you describe a moment when you felt your work made a real difference at the university?

We both agree that when the 2006 Christmas Day tornado occurred, we felt like our efforts in the aftermath really made a difference. The storm destroyed buildings and assets campus-wide. Most of the university’s aircraft fleet was severely damaged or destroyed. The devastation seemed insurmountable, yet, along with so many dedicated individuals across campus, we worked tirelessly throughout the holiday break to reopen the university for spring classes with safe buildings, a cleaned-up campus and an aircraft fleet for students to continue their flight training.

As a result, the semester commenced fully staffed and equipped. Students eagerly returned to campus amazed at the transformation. Goals were accomplished because failure was never an option. The selfless efforts of so many individuals who were dedicated to each other and the university at the time were remarkable. Being a small part of that effort was truly an amazing experience.

How have the students, faculty or staff impacted your experience at the university?

We have met so many wonderful faculty, staff and students during our tenure at the university. Enduring friendships have been forged as a result. It is so nice when students who worked with us 30 years ago still send Christmas cards and reach out whenever they are in town to get together for a meal and catch up. We feel so blessed to have made such an impression on those students.

Some of our most cherished friendships have also been built over the years with faculty and staff as well. We’ve enjoyed parties, dinners, theatre, vacations and so much more with our dearest university friends. Our interactions with Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University faculty and staff have truly been a major part of our life story.

What advice would you give to new employees starting their journey at Embry‑Riddle?

No matter when you begin your employment journey at Embry‑Riddle, contribute as much as you can to the retirement program. Embry‑Riddle offers a 6% gift and up to 4% additional match to all eligible faculty and staff working 20-plus hours per week. Every year, we increased our retirement contribution by 1% before we saw it. Our rationale has always been if we can survive on what we’re currently making, we can continue to do so. As we are closer to our retirement dates, we are so glad we adopted this philosophy!