Quay Burke

Quay Burke

Quay Burke, a 2020 Cedar Falls High School graduate, is the recipient of Wartburg College’s R.J. McElroy Minority Scholarship.

Burke, a first-generation college student, is majoring in music education at Wartburg. He is the son of Cammy Davis and D’Angelo Burke.

“Mr. Burke’s good work ethic was displayed through the quality of his assessments and assignments. He was always one to ask questions and come in for help outside of class when he needed,” said Joshua Wilkinson, Cedar Falls High School math instructor. “Mr. Burke demonstrated perseverance in solving problems and did not give up when he initially did not understand. I enjoyed getting to know Mr. Burke as a student and seeing his overall growth throughout the year.”

McElroy, a pioneer Iowa broadcaster who died in 1965, made a provision in his will for the establishment of a trust fund, the proceeds of which were to be used for the educational benefit of deserving young people. Wartburg College annually partners with the R.J. McElroy Trust to award a full-tuition scholarship to one student from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area. Awards are renewable up to four years.

“My choir teacher went to Luther, and I wanted to go there for a long time, but I didn’t feel as connected to Luther as I did to Wartburg. Dr. (Lee) Nelson was very nice and inviting and I felt like I was at home,” Burke said.

After finishing his undergraduate education at Wartburg, Burke wants to go to graduate school to get a master’s degree in music.

“Mr. Burke has been an active participant in activities outside of the classroom as well. In addition to participating in choir at the high school, Mr. Burke has volunteered his time at his local church by singing in the church choir and participating in other church-related activities. He also has a job at a local restaurant on top of maintaining a full class load,” Wilkinson said.

At Wartburg, Burke is a member of the college’s top auditioned ensemble, the Wartburg Choir, and Ritterchor, an all-male ensemble.

“It feels amazing to have earned the McElroy Minority Scholarship. I was worried about paying for college, and I have been very blessed,” Burke said.