Naperville Woman Gives Commencement Address at Purdue University

Naperville resident Christina Burke has had an ‘outstanding’ year at Purdue University where she recently graduated.

Burke was awarded the Flora Roberts Award from Purdue University presented to the outstanding senior woman, received the School of Health Sciences 2014 Outstanding Senior Award and was chosen to give the commencement speech.

“Christina personifies all that can we possibly expect from a Purdue student.  She excelled academically, actively participated in co-curricular opportunities, and became a student leader and role model for others,” said Christine Ladisch, College of Health and Human Sciences Dean. “We wish her all the best as she moves on to medical school.”    

Burke, a 2010 graduate of Benet Academy, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Pre-Professional with a Pre-Medicine concentration. She also received minors in biology and Spanish.

Each year, the Flora Roberts award is presented at Purdue University to the outstanding senior woman to honor her scholarship, leadership, character and service to the university community. 

Burke also received the Outstanding Senior award from the School of Health Sciences based on her scholarship, leadership, professionalism and service to others.

“Christina is an individual of integrity, who leads by example and sets high standards.  She is a believer in the ‘do right’ principle, i.e. do it right the first time and every time.  She has the respect of her professors, fellow students, and friends,” said Rosemary Ricci, Purdue University Academic Advisor.  

Burke was chosen to give the commencement speech after being nominated and selected by University staff. She only learned of her nomination when she had been chosen. Burke delivered the address to more than 6,000 students and their families during the commencement ceremony on May 17 at Elliott Hall of Music in West Lafayette, Ind.

As a graduating senior, Burke already has a resume full of activities and awards to show for her career at Purdue. She also was the Health Sciences Student Council President, Co-Founder and Vice President of the Purdue Chapter of Global Water Brigades, Vice President of the Purdue Foundation Student Board and a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and Mortar Board.

"I am so grateful for the opportunities granted to me at Purdue. I have been so honored and humbled by the recognition this year, and I owe so much of that to the wonderful faculty and peers I had the chance to work with. I am especially thankful to my family and friends for being my cheerleaders, I know I wouldn't have gotten very far without them,” Burke said.

She is expected to attend Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall where she would like to pursue a career in family medicine.