Paul S. Burtness in
Sycamore, IL
Devoted patrons of literature and the arts, the late Paul Burtness, and his late wife Jean, wrote their own legacy at NIU.
Paul passed away in November 2019, and in 2022, the University was made aware of the late couple’s wishes to donate a multi-million-dollar gift through a charitable remainder trust to benefit diligent students who might need financial assistance.
“Paul and Jean Burtness have left gifts that are truly transformational and impactful,” said Associate Director of Planned Giving Mike Cullen. “They saw the value in higher education and had the foresight to leave a legacy for scholarships that will benefit generations.”
W. Burtness birding in Genoa, IL
Dr. Paul Burtness was an English professor and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at NIU prior to his retirement. He attended Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, for his bachelor’s degree. The G.I. Bill allowed him to attend the University of Chicago, where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D., with a specialization was Chaucer. He also authored several anthologies, and in collaboration with Dr. Warren U. Ober, numerous articles concerning World War II.
Jean Burtness earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University before becoming an English teacher at Crystal Lake High School.
During the early years of her marriage, she was a service representative for Illinois Bell Telephone to help augment family finances so her husband could finish his graduate studies. Jean passed away in December 2007.
Over the years, the Burtnesses supported the faculty scholarship program, always aware of how much these helping hands mean to deserving students.
Their final gift is truly transformational.
