Spring commencement held special meaning for Paul Burton ’73, as his granddaughter’s graduation marked the third generation of Redbirds in his family. He began the Illinois State legacy as a nontraditional student. Burton enrolled after having served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. He was honored with a Purple Heart after sustaining combat injuries.
Appears InBurton initially planned to study political science but changed his major to education. He was a member of the debate team and participated in the Model UN as an undergraduate. He earned a juris doctorate at Southern Illinois University after leaving ISU, but his connection to campus remained strong because both his daughters chose to attend.
Elisabeth (Burton) Drebes ’90 earned a degree in public relations with a minor in business administration. She was a member of ISU Public Relations Student Society of America as a student and currently works in retail management in Urbana.
The younger daughter, Lynn (Burton) Bartimus ’91, studied journalism with a writing minor. A copy editor and then features writer for The Vidette, she fondly remembers Harry Thiel as an amazing mentor and friend during her days at the student newspaper. Bartimus works as a court reporter in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
She was delighted to learn that a job she held in a coffee and sandwich shop while completing her degree was located in the same building on Beaufort Street where her dad lived when he was a student.
Lynn’s daughter, Natalie Bartimus ’22, graduated summa cum laude this spring with a degree in agriculture communications and leadership. She visited the University often while growing up because of the family connection and chose to attend herself when she realized the campus and community were a great fit for her college and career plans.
The family enjoys coming to campus regularly, especially when Burton returns from his home in Issaquah, Washington. He serves as a judge pro tem there and journeys back to ISU twice annually to attend meetings of the Attorney Advisory Board. As a member, he gladly supports the University’s pre-law program, relishing the opportunity to maintain his Redbird roots.
