Watch highlights from the Burkholder Quadrangle Dedication
The brothers from Phi Kappa Tau, about 30 of them, have gathered each year for the past 50 years mostly for rounds of golf, group dinners or a game of softball. This year, the destination was Muhlenberg for the dedication of the Burkholder Quadrangle, a gift from fraternity brother Thomas Burkholder '70 and his wife Judith McDonald Burkholder '71.
The Burkholder “Quad” is already a favorite spot for students and faculty - a place of comfort, safety, collegiality, friendship and home. It’s where extreme Frisbee teams practice, where dancing and music from all cultures is shared, and where the campus comes to life. Anchored by a sitting wall, and surrounded by residence halls, an academic building and the Wood Dining Commons, it is here that the community can gather for events or to simply just sit, study, observe and breathe.
The Burkholders have dedicated their lives to health and healing as members of the medical profession and are devoted alums who are building community and connection at Muhlenberg with this space that, “…is fostering a sense of belonging,” said President Kathy Harring at the June dedication.
The emotional and physical impact of the Burkholder’s contributions to the College go beyond the Quad and include funding for the Seegers Union expansion, The Muhlenberg Fund and scholarships. “Foremost is the funding of scholarships for pre-med, under-privileged students from the Lehigh Valley,” said Tom. More than half of the scholarships will go to students of black or brown heritage.
“Supporting traditionally underserved populations, academic scholarships and other campaign priorities shows their deep commitment to the future of Muhlenberg and to the student experience,” said Board Chairman Richard Crist during the dedication attended by friends, family and fraternity brothers.
The Phi Kappa Tau brothers call their summer gatherings the “Strohmathon” in memory of Gilbert Strohm, their fraternity cook. An annual fundraiser was started by them to support Strohm who worked at the frat house without a pension or benefits. The “Stromathon” now supports several student scholarships. “Fraternity was the cornerstone of our social life at Muhlenberg,” Tom said. “This wonderful Greek life led to our lifetime friendships.” And now the Burkholder Quad will be the place where that legacy continues as many students will meet fellow Mules for the first time, and lifelong relationships will be born.
