Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, UT Elementary is able to carry out our mission. Their inspirational stories underscore the importance of the work we do.
The Burck Family: A Lasting Impact on UT Elementary and Children in Austin
When UT Elementary School was founded, it had a powerful ally in Dan Burck, then chancellor of the University of Texas System. Burck, along with his wife, Penny, believed in the school’s potential to transform lives through education. Their early and steadfast support helped lay the foundation for the school’s success. Although Dan passed in 2015, his legacy lives on in the vibrant learning community he helped champion.
Penny Burck continues to be a guiding light for UT Elementary. Her enthusiasm and generosity have brought countless new supporters into our circle, including her grandson Jeff Barker and his wife, Jasmine. Through her efforts, the Burck family’s commitment to educational excellence has extended across generations. Their legacy reminds us that when one family believes in a mission, it can change the future for hundreds of children.
Read more about Jasmine and Jeff Barker here.
Ronnie Volkening Finds Joy in Giving Back at UT Elementary
Ronnie Volkening first learned about UT Elementary School through longtime supporter Penny Burck, who invited him to attend the school’s From Pre-K to Ph.D. Awards Dinner. There, he saw the Little Longhorns perform and was immediately impressed by the students’ energy and confidence.
With time and heart to give after retirement, Volkening began reading to the Pre-K classes each week. What started as a simple act of service quickly became a joyful routine. His presence in the classroom brings smiles, stories and a steady reminder of the power of community involvement. Read more about Ronnie here.
One Family’s Musical Legacy Helps UT Elementary
Keith Maxie and his wife, Alice, created the Ira and Muriel Maxie Endowment to honor Keith’s parents and the impact music had on their family — something that started on his parents’ first date. Since childhood, Ira had an eye for Muriel, but it wasn’t until that first date that he realized her singing voice matched her beauty. But Ira also had musical talent, and he showcased it in whistling recitals at the local community church. This musical match inspired the marriage that then produced the Maxies’ musical family, with Keith being the first of four children born to Ira and Muriel.
UT Elementary Library Fund Honors a Father’s Love of Reading and Learning.
David Bourland never thought of himself as a UT donor. Although he is an alumnus of The University of Texas and an employee of the UT Development Office, it took a visit to UT Elementary to seed the idea for Bourland’s gift of the G. Bradley Bourland UT Elementary School Library Book Fund.
Part of the UT Elementary School Family
Michael (Mickey) and Jeanne Klein have been part of the UT Elementary family for eight years. In addition to being members of the Visualize Graduation Society and generous supporters of UT Elementary’s capital campaign, they support the school as members of the Development Council capital campaign committee. Mickey additionally volunteers regularly in the school’s fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms, and Jeanne supports the school’s social and emotional learning program (SEL).
