Honorees-
Timothy H. Bishop & William T. Burke

Tim Bishop (right) and his father-in-law, the late William Burke (left), had more in common than their family ties. Strong leadership abilities and a commitment to higher education are qualities they shared as longtime members of the Southampton College community. Together the two men have given 56 years of service to the College, leaving an indelible mark on its development while shaping the futures of hundreds of students.

The family tradition began when Dr. Burke joined the faculty in 1967 as a professor of biology and the director of the Natural Science Division. He later served for eight years as dean of the College. Dr. Burke, who received his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester, taught biochemistry, served several terms as chair of the College’s Faculty Council and received the University’s Newton Award for teaching Excellence. He retired in 1998. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Dr. Burke died in 1999. He is survived by his wife Kay S’85, his four daughters, Kathy Bishop S’75, Abby Irwin, Bridgit Schick S’86, and Bonnie Spies S’88, and two sons Tim S’73 and Randy. He was predeceased by a son Antonio.

Tim Bishop began his University career as an admissions counselor in 1973 and rose through the ranks at the College to become provost and a Long Island University officer in 1986. Mr. Bishop received his A.B. from the College of the Holy Cross and his M.P.A. from the C.W. Post Campus. During his tenure at Southampton, he has served as director of institutional research and planning, dean for enrollment services, and dean of administrative and student services. As provost, he developed the award-winning Cooperative Education and Freshman Programs, an integral part of the LIU Plan implemented across the University. Known for his dedication to student development, he has been honored again and again by students for his service. He was the point person in negotiating the licensing agreement to power up the University’s flagship radio station WPBX-88.3 FM — the only Long Island-based NPR affiliate — to 25,000 Watts. During his tenure, four new graduate programs were added to the curriculum, and a new academic center, Chancellors Hall, was built.

Devotion to Long Island University continues to be a family affair for the Burke-Bishop clan. Tim and his wife, Kathy, director of the Children’s School nursery program at the College, have two daughters, Molly, a student at the C.W. Post Campus, and Meghan.

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