Cal Poly Humboldt Social Work senior Morgan Burris has been given a California State University Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Since a devastating car accident in 2010, Burris has focused on rehabilitating herself and through this process, has been inspired to get an education and committed to having a positive impact in the community.
Humboldt President Lisa Rossbacher recommended Burris for the award, which is given every year to one student from each CSU who demonstrates superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need. It comes with a $6,000 scholarship for the 2016-17 school year. Burris has been invited to receive the award from Chancellor Timothy White at a ceremony in Long Beach in September.
Just four months after her accident, she began her education at College of the Redwoods, where she eventually learned coping skills with the assistance of tutors and other student services. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Cal Poly Humboldt, earning a 3.4 GPA as a full-time student while coping with memory loss, ongoing rehabilitation, and raising two children. She’s now volunteering at Making Headway, where she will also be doing her senior internship. Burris says she’s interested in working with veterans, abused children and elderly, accident survivors, and the mentally ill.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, Burris plans on enrolling in the Social Work graduate program at Humboldt.
“It is very appreciated to be noticed for my academic and personal triumphs,” Burris said of the award. “I am extremely appreciative for this, and so is my family. I will continue to keep my academics at the forefront of my life.”
