William Augusta Burks ’73

William Augusta Burks ’73 died on March 30 in Chicago after a long illness. He attended Wendell Phillips High School and Central YMCA Community College in Chicago before transferring to Dartmouth under the auspices of the College’s Foundation Years project. Known to his friends as “Witt” for his clever wittiness, he majored in sociology and spent a term in France. After graduation Witt worked at the YMCA in Chicago and partnered with Allan Evans ’71 in an automotive business. He was also engaged in Jobs for Youth and Inner City Dartmouth Group projects. Witt spent most of his working career in education and in social services. He volunteered as an alumni interviewer, career advisor and club officer for the Dartmouth Club of Chicago. Witt was also an alumni fund class agent and a member of the Black Alumni of Dartmouth Association. A natural educator, historian and storyteller, he was a people person who was always ready to try new things. Witt is survived by his wife, Debra, son William and stepson Michael. 


Portfolio

Book cover that says How to Get Along With Anyone
Alumni Books
New titles from Dartmouth writers (March/April 2025)
Woman wearing red bishop garments and mitre, walking down church aisle
New Bishop
Diocese elevates its first female leader, Julia E. Whitworth ’93.
Reconstruction Radical

Amid the turmoil of Post-Civil War America, Amos Akerman, Class of 1842, went toe to toe with the Ku Klux Klan.

Illustration of woman wearing a suit, standing in front of the U.S. Capitol in D.C.
Kirsten Gillibrand ’88
A U.S. senator on 18 years in Washington, D.C.

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