Lorene McCormick Burkhart

The Center for Families was founded in 1994 with a generous gift from Lorene McCormick Burkhart, 1956 alumna of the School of Consumer and Family Sciences at Purdue University.

Lorene is a woman of many passions. She is known as a philanthropist, author, publisher, radio and TV personality, civic leader and pioneer for women in the workplace.

She started out as a teacher after graduating with a degree in home economics. From there, she went on to have an extensive and diversified career. She progressed he career through public relations, broadcasting, marketing, consumer services (director at Jenn Air Corporation), new product development (director at Borden’s Dairy Division), publishing (owner of the Register, a monthly that ceased in 1998), and also the Burkhart Network, where she published her books.

In 1995, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the University of Indianapolis, where she also served as a trustee; in 1997, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Purdue University for her many leadership contributions and public service and philanthropy on behalf of Indiana children and families; and in 2013, she was awarded an Honorary Associate of Science Degree from Ivy Tech Community College.

Dr. Burkhart has been affiliated with numerous community organizations serving the arts, youth, elderly, and healthcare issues. She has been recognized repeatedly for her philanthropic contributions and commitment to her community. In 1990 and again in 1997, she was named Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana governors. In 1992, she received the Golden Achievement Award from Purdue University’s School of Consumer and Family Sciences. In 1993, she was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Network of Women in Business. In 1996, she received the Ambassador of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards from Purdue. In 2014, Mayors of Indiana Cities, Carmel and Indianapolis, proclaimed July 11, 2014, Lorene Burkhart Day.