At the New York finalist dinner last month, Scholars moved around to each table, swapping places and plates, to get a chance to talk with each finalist and wish them luck. The event embodied the spirit of the late Brooks Burdette (GA ’81), who co-hosted the first finalist dinner more than a decade ago as a means to reconnect Scholars and help finalists to relax before the big day of interviews. At a dinner that wasn’t quite the same without Brooks’ presence, we was remembered with a moving toast, and the continuation of his efforts to strengthen the Truman Scholar community.

The late Brooks Burdette (GA '81)