On Saturday, May 20, 2017, Webb Institute honored one of its own during the Annual Alumni Homecoming event.
After a fun-filled day of activities, delicious meals, class reunion photos, and presentations, Alumnus Arthur A. Burr ’54 was awarded in a special ceremony with the highest degree Webb Institute can grant, an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science. Mr. Burr was chosen for his excellence in the marine industry, and unwavering support of Webb Institute and its students.
Over the years, Mr. & Mrs. Burr have given so much to Webb. In 2006, their generous donation made The Arthur & Marilyn Burr Junior Classroom possible, which is in memory of Arthur’s departed classmates, John Franklin and John Dalzell. Additionally, in 2007, the Benjamin C. Keeler Reading Room was dedicated because of the Burr’s gifts to Webb. The “Art Burr” William H. Webb scholarship endowment provides a full tuition scholarship for a Webb student each year.
Alumni in attendance for the special ceremony remarked that they were “inspired” by Mr. Burr’s achievement and the example he has set for alumni to give back to Webb.
After receiving his honorary degree, Mr. Burr thanked Webb, his extended family (his Burr Yacht company associates), his wife Marilyn, and daughter Theresa for their support.
The Webb community is eternally grateful for Mr. Burr’s supreme generosity that will transcend throughout our institution for years to come.