I recently went home to Concord University for a memorial service honoring my favorite professor, Dr. Ron Burgher. He was a vivid character, making an impression on everyone who knew him. At the service, many said he was either loved or hated - there was no in between. I believe a third option may have been respecting him, even if his sometimes unusual tactics were misunderstood.
Burgher was chair of the Division of Fine Arts, which, at the time, encompassed art, music, theatre and communications. Nearly every Concord student encountered him over his 40+ year career because speech was a required class, and Burgher taught speech lecture. One of his most famous tactics happened each semester during the teaching of persuasive speech. He would ask students if they believed in flying saucers, then whip an actual saucer out of his jacket and fling it across the large auditorium. It would break into shards against the brick wall with a satisfying tinkle of broken glass. He used this to illustrate his persuasive point and the importance of props. No one ever forgot this lesson!
Those of us who majored in theatre, journalism or public relations and advertising had the opportunity to see Burgher as more than just a terrifying figure flinging cafeteria plates. We got to know him as a deeply caring, challenging professor. He challenged us precisely because he cared. A fellow alumna noted that Burgher inherently knew how each student needed to be motivated and used that knowledge to push us. From the outside, he appeared gruff and short tempered. Those of us who had him as an advisor and mentor knew that was just the shell of a man with many layers, which included dedication to his students, love for his wife, the theater, and unparalleled fandom for whatever sport was in season, especially when played by the Concord Mountain Lions or THE Ohio State Buckeyes.
As I sat in the Concord ballroom and listened to alumni and colleagues pay respect to Burgher, I started thinking about his legacy as an educator. Here was a group of about 50 Concord alumni, each one able to speak eloquently, off the cuff, about a man we all loved. We were able to do this because HE taught us how to speak, command a room, and argue our points. Many people noted his time-tested speech guidance: tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them. How many Concord alumni sit in offices across the country, writing speeches with Burgher in the back of their mind? He taught two generations of journalists, publicists and actors who have gone on to varied careers. There’s a good chance someone besides me is using Burgher’s advice today.
Aside from the tactics we learned in classes like Communication Law or Argumentation and Debate, Burgher’s students also absorbed lessons in soft skills. We observed how to be tough but fair, strong but flexible, humble, prepared and hardworking. We saw him stand up for what he believed in and were encouraged to do the same. We learned how to disagree with someone, but still respect their right to an opinion. We became valiant defenders of the right to free speech, while understanding not all speech was appropriate. One educator managed to make free thinking adults out of teenagers, who often came to college naive and close-minded. Those lessons were perhaps more valuable than any “book learning” we received in his classroom.
The energy in the room was electric as person after person talked about what they learned from Burgher. Alumni and colleagues discussed how he still impacts their daily life, using his lessons at home or work. Listening to these heartwarming stories made me think: how many other people are learning from Burgher, through us? This group was just a small sample from likely thousands of students he taught. Together, we were the living embodiment of one person’s legacy.
As Concord alumni, we have so many opportunities to honor our alma mater. We can wear Concord gear or stick it on our cars. We can support our sports teams, participate in alumni activities and donate to the university foundation. We can recommend students and encourage them to visit the Campus Beautiful. These are all important! In our daily lives, though, our best tactic is to share what we learned with others. Use your strongest lessons at work, home and in the community organizations where you volunteer. Tell people about your time at Concord and that legendary professor who helped shape you into a productive member of society. As fellow alumni Josh Exline said during his respects, we are all “Disciples of Burgher.” Now, it’s up to us to spread the gospel.
Those who wish to honor Burgher through a memorial gift can consider donating to the Dr. Ronald L. Burgher Communications Arts Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was established in 2007 by Dr. Burgher and is awarded annually to an outstanding Communication Arts student. Donations can be made online or mailed to: Concord University Foundation, PO Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712.