Wesleyan Service Award

Gene '54 and Ann '54 Burge

Awarded to a Texas Wesleyan graduate whose service to the University and its alumni have contributed specifically to the success of the Alumni Association and its programs.

Gene Burge was born and raised in Fort Worth, attending Polytechnic High School before enrolling at Texas Wesleyan. There, he would meet a girl from Covington, Ann Harrell. They met at the end of their freshman year at Texas Wesleyan. Ann was a member of Autiss, Gene Sakkara. Ann was also May Queen in 1954. They married just after graduating, in September of 1954. That connection to Texas Wesleyan has lasted over 50 years.

Gene went on to graduate in 1957 from Baylor Dental School, and served three years in the U.S. Public Health Service before entering general dentistry practice. He retired ten years ago, after being honored for 50 years of service from the Texas Dental Association.

The Burges attend many theatre productions and sports games on campus, although they missed the championship basketball game in Kansas City last year. “If they ever go again, we’ll be there!” said Ann. They were active members of the Ram Club, and Gene is a past president of the Alumni Association (1963-1964). This Medal Award is not their first; they were named Alumni of the Year 33 years ago.

At the annual Athletic Awards Banquet, the Gene and Ann Burge Sportsmanship Award is given to the male and female athlete who best exemplifies the characteristics of true sportsmanship during the year. “Sportsmanship is important. If you win and don’t do it well, it won’t help you later in life,” Ann said.

They are members of Handley United Methodist Church, and have served on several committees at the church. “Oh, we’ve been on just about everything,” Ann said.

Three of their four children graduated from Texas Wesleyan. Barbara received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1980; James and John both received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1983. Cynthia attended, but went on to earn a degree in dental hygiene.

“Wesleyan feels like home,” Ann said. “It was good to us.”