JIM BURKE EDUCATION FOUNDATION HISTORY
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1974This Began Our History
1974 - West High Debate Students
The First Ford Dimension Class, comprised of four West High debate students, rolls-out a campaign to educate business leaders about the buying power of youth. This began our history.
1974-'75 -
1978Enterprise College
1978 - Cal State Bakersfield
Ford students attend Enterprise College at Cal State Bakersfield for the first time. “I have fond memories of those days and still appreciate your efforts.“
—Dave Eastwood1977-’78 -
1979Ambassadors for the Dealership
1979 - Economic Business Conference
Student leaders become ambassadors for the dealership at the Economic Business Conference. Check out the corduroy suits!
1978-'79 -
1981Product Development
1981 - Don Petersen, President of the Ford Motor Company
Students discuss marketing and product development with Don Petersen, president of the Ford Motor Company.
1981-’82 -
1982Ford Demolition
1982 - Tradition of Test Driving New Ford vehicles
The tradition of test driving new Ford vehicles continues but the program has a new name – the Ford Demolition – due to fender benders and an unauthorized road trip to Avila Beach “to test freeway handling.”
1982-’83 -
1987Ford Dimensioners
1987 - Annual Bakersfield Prayer Breakfast
The first of many Ford Dimensioners gives the Student Prayer at the annual Bakersfield Prayer Breakfast.
1987 -
1989Dimensioners Volunteer
1989 - Golden Empire Gleaners
A wonderful association begins with the Golden Empire Gleaners. Dimensioners volunteer their time to pick fruit, sort cans and promote food drives at their schools.
1989-’90 -
1994Ford Dimension Alumni
1994 - Birth of Jim Burke Education Foundation
Over 200 Ford Dimension alumni gather for a dinner to thank Jim Burke for his contribution to education. As a tribute to him they establish the Jim Burke Education Foundation along with a $10,000 donation. The purpose of the Foundation is to continue the spirit of Mr. Burke’s generosity by contributing to the educational support of others in our community.
1994 -
2003History in the Making!
2003 - Dream Builders Launched
The Education Foundation launches its signature student leadership program—Dream Builders, history in the making! 284 students have participated in the program creating over 49 significant community projects.
2003-’04 -
2004Favorite Guest Speaker
2004 - Msgr. Craig Harrison
Msgr. Craig Harrison, Class of 1976-‘77 continues to be a favorite guest speaker. His remarks focus on leadership, authenticity, and gratitude.
2004 -
2009Lunch with Elected Officials
2009 - Congressman McCarthy
Congressman McCarthy discusses national issues with student leaders. Lunch with elected officials and community leaders has always been a significant annual activity.
2009 -
2011Bakersfield Prayer Breakfast Speaker
2011 - Alumni, Pat Lencioni
Pat Lencioni, class of 1982-’83 and keynote speaker at the 2011 Bakersfield Prayer Breakfast inspires fellow Ford Dimension students after the event.
2011 -
2013Annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Event
2013 - Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award
Ford Dimension and Dream Builders receive the prestigious Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award at the annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards event.
2013 -
2014A Day of Gleaning Carrots
2014 - Grimmway Farms
A day of gleaning carrots at Grimmway Farms benefits the hungry of our community.
2014 -
2015Ali Vaughan, BHS
2015 - Mikie Hay College Scholarship
Ali Vaughan, BHS was the first recipient of the Mikie Hay College Scholarship.
2015 -
2016Dream Builder Team
2016 - PEAAK Award Winners
PEAAK Award Winners, Dream Builder Team “You’re Worth More” won the Best Community Service Project award.
2016 -
2017Ryan Crowley, BHS
2017 - Best of the Best
“Best of the Best” – Ryan Crowley, BHS, is the 18th Ford alumni to receive the Mayor’s Trophy.
2017 -
2018Dream Builders Awards Night
2018 - 2018 Jim Burke Dream Builders Awards Night
With your help, we were able to award $37,000 in student scholarships and $1,250 in community grants during our Awards Night!
2018 -
2018Ford Salutes All of its Compassionate Dealers
2018 - 2018 Salute To Dealers, Dan Hay
Ford Motor Company’s 2018 Salute to Dealers program recognizes six extraordinary Dealer Principals for their remarkable dedication to giving back and volunteering in their communities. These honorees have been selected from a field of thousands of dealers across the globe. Ford salutes all of its compassionate dealers for their generosity and goodwill especially Dan Hay, one of this year’s six honorees of the Salute To Dealers Award.
2018 -
2020ALUMNI PAY IT FORWARD
2020 - 2020 JIM BURKE EDUCATION FOUNDATION HISTORY
The Foundation’s goal is to create servant leaders who will not only change the world, but come back and enrich the Bakersfield community. Alumni Ulysis Baael ( ‘15) did just that by creating Relief Shoppers project.
2020 -
2021We hope you enjoyed a stroll down memory lane
2021 - 2021
We hope you enjoyed a stroll through the history of the Foundation.
2021
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
We hope you’ve enjoyed a look at our history. We always love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us anytime.
