Alumni Tee-Box

Le Roy ( Roy) Anderson, the First Burke Scholar

Roy Anderson grew up on Ruth Avenue in the Phillipsdale section of East Providence along Wannamoisett Country Club’s fifth hole. He spent his summers caddying at the Wannamoisett and also as organist at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church to pay for tuition at Brown University. In 1946, the John P. Burke Memorial Fund was established, and it awarded its first scholarship for three years to Roy. Following graduation from Brown in 1950, Roy entered the world of banking, joining the Industrial Trust Company.

Roy ’s banking career, interrupted for two years of military service, spanned 44 years. He retired in 1994 as President of Lenders Massachusetts, Inc., a subsidiary of Safety Fund National Bank, now Banknorth. Retired may not be the right word. Today Roy keeps busy sharing time between the mortgage business on Cape Cod and his music interests as a member of the Chatham Chorale and the choir at Saint Mary’s Church, Barnstable.

Roy still recalls the day he received a check for $400 for his sophomore year at Brown University. “The Burke award was the vital link to that coveted Brown diploma.”

- Le Roy ( Roy) Anderson

While enjoying their three children and five grandchildren, Roy and Claire, his wife of 54 years, still find the time to travel, to garden and to stay healthy.

Roy still recalls the day he received a check for $400 for his sophomore year at Brown University. “The Burke award was the vital link to that coveted Brown diploma.”

In real terms, Roy is a link to beginnings of the Burke Fund. He remembers receiving that first check from Earl Crawford and Earl Lofquist, both of whom were significant in the early years of the Burke Fund. Crawford later introduced Roy to banking with the old Industrial Trust Company. Roy remembers how the Burke Fund helped him. And now, he has stepped forward as a charter member of the Founders Society, a special group dedicated to continuing the legacy of the eight members of the Rhode Island Golf Association.

Michael J. Auger – Burke Scholar 1981

“The Burke Scholarship provided me the much needed assistance at Villanova. It is important to me that I continue to support the Burke Fund each year."

- Michael J. Auger

Golf has been a part of Mike’s life since his Dad, Norm, introduced him to the game at the Pawtucket Country Club. He caddied at Wannamoisett Country Club through high school and college. Mike enjoyed his experience at Villanova University, especially winning the NCAA basketball title in 1985. Graduating that year, Mike joined Wilson Sporting Goods’ golf division in Northern Indiana and Western Michigan territories.

In 1994, Mike became the Northeast Regional Sales Manger, moving to National Accounts Manager in 2001. He was responsible for programs at major retailers like Target, Wal-Mart, Dicks’ and Sports Authority.

An opportunity to reduce travel found Mike joining the Banks Corporation in 2003 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for their Perfect Barrier Division. Banks has operations in Indiana, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Oregon, Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan.

Mike remains involved in golf, holding various Board positions with the Elkhart Golf Association and Elcona Country Club. He and his wife, Cathi, live in Elkhart, Indiana with their children Megan, 10, and Matthew, 5.

In reflection, Mike says “The people and the experiences I have had because of my involvement in the game, are the things that I remember everyday. Attention to detail, listening, going the extra mile, thinking ahead are just some of the lessons that I took from the game and have to all aspects of my personal and professional life. The Burke Scholarship provided me the much needed assistance at Villanova. It is important to me that I continue to support the Burke Fund each year.”

9th ANNUAL John P. Burke Memorial Fund TOURNAMENT

Sponsored by the Rhode Island Golf Association