Growing up in a small farming community in Indiana, Mike Burns' academic options would have been limited had it not been for his Aunt Myrtle, an educator with connections at the state level. Myrtle knew that Mike needed more of a challenge than the school his hometown could offer, so she encouraged his parents to enroll him at Howe Military Academy.
Howe was a big transition for Mike but, as he puts it, “They straightened me out.” Mike loved his time at Howe. While strict and demanding, it brought Mike a degree of independence, which left him well-positioned to apply and be accepted at Notre Dame. In fall 1969, Mike moved into Cavanaugh Hall, his home for the next four years.
Mike made the most of his time at Notre Dame both academically and socially. Each week, he spent Sunday afternoon through Friday afternoon focused on his academic work, leaving his weekends free to enjoy being a young man on campus.
After receiving his juris doctorate from Ohio Northern University, Mike worked at his uncle’s law firm in LaPorte, Indiana. He was recognized by a local judge for his willingness to represent children, a practice that eventually took a heavy emotional toll. In May of 1985, however, Mike attended an alumni weekend at Howe. His interaction with the cadets—young men who were flourishing—rejuvenated and inspired him to give back to his high school alma mater; he even served for a time as chair of the school’s board of trustees.
Mike was also inspired to support Notre Dame. Throughout his career, he made annual gifts to the University and was a member of the Sorin and John Cardinal O’Hara Societies. When Howe closed in 2019, Mike decided to make a more substantial commitment to Our Lady’s University in the form of a bequest supporting a scholarship and the O'Hara Society Forever Fund.
Speaking of his time at Notre Dame, Mike said, “I am what I am because of Notre Dame; it was not just the education, but also the people you meet.”
Thank you, Mike, for your faith in Notre Dame’s mission.