Your own folder in the President’s papers

In many of the Presidents’ papers, there is typically a folder titled “Discipline”. 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’s time as president, 1923-1933, he seemed to have his hands full with William J. Burk, class of 1930.

Burk, also known as “Red,” 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.

The “Burke Affair” of staying beyond curfew at Reid Hall, the women’s dorm, was an issue. Red also used his time on the Collegian to advocate for drinking at dances and “Whoopee” parties, and the fact that he was late with his tuition payments made the President take notice.

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

 

Graduating 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 “Red” Burk left an impression while he was at Washington College, 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 Washington College and beyond.