The University of Vermont Foundation has named Daniel and Carole Burack of Rye, New York, as recipients of its highest honor, the Eugene and Joan Kalkin Lifetime Distinguished Leadership Award. The Buracks were recognized at a ceremony on April 8, 2022, during the Foundation's Board of Directors meeting. The couple has been actively engaged with the University of Vermont and the UVM Foundation as volunteer leaders and donors for nearly 50 years, earning them the honor of being the second recipients of the Kalkin Award. The award was first presented to Eugene '50, HON'98, and Joan HON'98 Kalkin upon its establishment by the UVM Foundation in 2018.

The Kalkin Award is awarded selectively to those who have made multidimensional commitments to UVM and the UVM Foundation over an extended period of time and have dramatically affected the lives of others. It recognizes those who have made UVM a top priority among their philanthropic commitments, who have held volunteer leadership roles of significance, and who have inspired others to increase their commitment of time, talent, and treasure to UVM.

"My friendship with the Buracks grew over the years, as did my admiration," said Eugene Kalkin. "They have been devoted to making a difference with their involvement as volunteers and donors, and they have done that so beautifully here at the University of Vermont."

A 1955 graduate of UVM with a degree in accounting, Dan Burack served as vice chair and then chair of the UVM Fund annual giving committee in the mid-1970s. The Buracks served on numerous Class of 1955 reunion and class gift committees over the years and were regular participants in reunion gatherings. They marked Dan's 50th reunion with a special gift commitment, the largest of its kind at that time, to endow the Burack President's Distinguished Lecture Series and establish an endowed scholarship fund in the College of Education and Social Services.

The Buracks have been members of important UVM advisory groups, including the UVM President's Council, the National Campaign Steering Committee, and the National Development Committee. Carole has been a member of the Fleming Museum Board of Advisors, and Dan has been a key figure on the UVM Hillel Board of Advisors, which he chaired for the past nine years. Dan was a founding member of the UVM Foundation Board of Directors and remains active with the Foundation as a member of its Leadership Council.

"We have so much in common," said Diane Seder '74, chair of the UVM Foundation Board of Directors. "And Dan, you have been such a mentor and an inspiration to me. You're a dreamer, and what you dream comes true. I remember having a conversation with Carole on the phone, and she said to me, 'You know what? When Dan has an idea, just get out of his way.' That's the beauty of the two of you, and we just couldn't appreciate it more."

In addition to their exemplary volunteer contributions, the Buracks have given generously to UVM for decades, supporting a variety of projects, programs, and initiatives. In addition to those gifts mentioned above, they have endowed a Green and Gold professorship in the College of Education and Social Services, made a major gift to support the construction of the Davis Student Center, and supported UVM Hillel with leadership annual giving and the naming gift for the Burack Hillel building renovation at 439 College Street.

The UVM Alumni Association awarded Dan its Distinguished Service Award in 1986, and the University awarded Dan and Carole honorary Doctor of Laws degrees in 2008. The Burack family legacy now spans three generations: their son Adam 8'5 and granddaughter Abigail '16 both earned degrees from UVM.

"For Carole and me, I want to say that it's been a great ride. Carole has an honorary degree, so now she's a UVM alum. And every time we come back, it's just a great part of our lives," said Dan Burack after accepting the Kalkin Award. "Carol and I and our family will always treasure this day, and we are honored as always to be part of the UVM family. We continue our involvement and love of UVM."