A Life of Service

Working with young Latinos provides this alumnus with strong motivation to show them the way to success.

By Donna Parker

 

Jorge Burwick, who received his degree in sociology from Trinity in 1998, is busy at work doing exactly what he loves - providing guidance for young Latino students when it comes to college programs and scholarships. He is the assistant director of scholarships and student services at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities or HACU.

"These are things that I did not know about when I was in school," explains Jorge. "I've made a concerted effort to work in the non-profit world and would love to continue doing this for the long haul."

Jorge is also exploring moving into the HR arena while remaining focused on diversity such as working with minority students in a corporate setting.

He's connected with the San Antonio community, having just come off a stint as board member of San Anto Cultural Arts, for which he participated in fundraising and event planning.

"I've seen it through its transition period and it's been a unique opportunity to work with that group in a volunteer capacity and as board member."

Jorge is also a new dad to 7-month-old baby boy, Santiago. He says fatherhood has been a new and challenging experience.

"I experienced an emotion I've never encountered when I took him in for his first shots and I knew they would hurt him. But, there are a lot of fun times, too, when I get down on the floor and play with him. I can usually keep his attention for five minutes," laughs Jorge.

Jorge credits Trinity for his interest in subjects, such as religion, he might otherwise never have explored, and says it helped him continue to seek more knowledge. He says it also helped him with his writing skills.

He volunteered for TUVAC and says, "I didn't appreciate all that the University had to offer until I gained some perspective on life. It provided me lifelong friends, with whom I'm still in touch and now I believe it was the best place to go to school."

"David Spener, department of sociology and anthropology, was a great professor to connect with when he arrived my junior year. We still are in touch and my advisor Cynthia Gentry, department of sociology and anthropology, was a captivating lecturer and inspirational advisor."

In his spare time, he practices Bikram Yoga, reads, and travels frequently, but it is in his everyday life of helping others that Jorge is following his passion.

You may contact him at Jorge.burwick@gmail.com.