Jim Burdick receives Big Pi Award at Baldwin Wallace 75th anniversary celebration
At the 75th anniversary of the Baldwin Wallace chapter, Jim Burdick ’71 humbly accepted the Big Pi Award for Lifetime Achievement, the highest honor for members of Pi Lambda Phi. The Big Pi is awarded to alumni Brothers who are held in high esteem by virtue of outstanding accomplishment which brings honor to the brother and Pi Lambda Phi.
Jim’s achievements were celebrated by his family, friends, brothers, IHQ staff, and fellow Ohio Beta Tau Big Pi recipients, Rear Admiral J. T. Riker ’70, Jack Marsh ’71, and J.D. Smith, PhD ’71.
A life dedicated to medicine
According to classmate, J.D. Smith, Jim was always a “laser focused” pre-med student dedicated to his studies. “Jim seemed balanced, and retained an unflappable and generous demeanor while making the Dean’s List semester after semester.”
Jim graduated Cum Laude with a Biology degree in 1971 and continued his medical education at SUNY Buffalo, gradating in 1975 as a Doctor of Medicine.
He specialized in anesthesiology and built an impressive career caring for people, saying, “the pleasure of serving patients and their appreciation is priceless.”
Jim participated in more than 75,000 surgeries, managed numerous research trials, and supervised countless medical professionals. He was a clinical instructor and clinical assistant professor at SUNY Buffalo, and later became the President of the NY State Society of Anesthesiologists.
He rose to the height of the medical profession and became a driving force to the standards of care that are still maintained today.
Presentation of the Big Pi Award
Jim was presented his Big Pi award by his classmate and fellow Big Pi recipient, Jack Marsh. His wife, Sharon, pinned the award to his jacket.
Jack said, “Character and integrity matter at Pi Lambda Phi. That’s how we were able to attract such quality men as Jim Burdick, and the other fine members of Ohio Beta Tau chapter.”
“Jim Burdick is being inducted as a Big Pi for the principles he embraces… and for the example he sets for the rest of us, always acting with integrity, honesty, empathy, decency, kindness, and humility.”
With his trademark good humor, Jim said in his acceptance speech, “I spent many years learning how to put people to sleep, but I sure hope I don’t do it tonight.”
Jim also spoke of the impact that Pilam had on his life.
“Investment in the Pilam brotherhood in my college years and beyond has paid off. I’ve had wonderful Pilam friendships that have lasted more than 50 years. It truly supports our motto, ‘not four years, but a lifetime’.”