Tributes to Bummy

Tributes

Since Bummy’s passing on August 31, 2018, we have received many heartfelt tributes and stories, and many more have been posted on social media. Here are a few to start; we will be adding more content soon, so be sure to visit this page again. If you have a story you’d like to share and or pictures, please feel free to contact Alumni Relations at the email provided below. If you haven’t seen his biography, please check it out. If you have not yet donated, you still can! Just go to Gerald “Bummy” Burstein to find out how.

Dr. Donalda K. Ammons, ’74, president of the Gallaudet University Alumni Association, said, “Bummy was an extraordinary and unique individual with deep passion and love for Gallaudet and GUAA. He was well known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was also chivalrous and honorable-a true gentleman! We have truly lost an icon.”

Two-term GUAA president Alyce Slater Reynolds, ’76 & G-’78, served on the GUAA Board for 23 years, with more than 13 of those years alongside Bummy. She says, “There was no one quite like Bummy, and there may never be anyone else like him. He gave back to Gallaudet many times over. I was so in awe of his commitment to giving that my husband and I have followed suit. This may be one of his many legacies-inspiring fellow alumni to support the Gallaudetians of tomorrow.”

Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz, former Gallaudet University president, wrote: “Bummy was an icon in the Deaf community. He was a man of valor, integrity and grit; a proud alumnus of Gallaudet University and a true leader. I will always remember him for his humor and his generosity to the university as a major benefactor. Vicki and I will always cherish the times we interacted with him at national conferences, workshops and GUAA Board meetings. May he rest in peace.”

Gallaudet’s ninth president, Dr. Robert R. Davila, ’53 & H-’96, wrote: “Teacher, parliamentarian, generous benefactor, compassionate crusader, beloved friend, and highly respected human being, Bummy was all this and much more throughout a long and distinguished life centered around devoted service to the Deaf community that he loved enormously and that loved him in return.”