Personal Giving Stories

Janet Buhrke graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood, Ill., and attended Monmouth College for two years before transferring to the University of Illinois to complete her bachelor’s degree in 1953. Upon graduation she worked in a private chemical lab in Urbana as Vic finished his Ph.D. When Vic was drafted in 1954, Janet continued her work at the Army Chemical Center in Maryland.

Vic Buhrke graduated from Steinmetz High School in Chicago. While at the U of I, he played first clarinet in the marching band and was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity. Upon graduating, he served two years in the Army Medical Corps. Later, while working at DuPont, Vic was recommended by Professor Clark for a position at RCA/Siemens to run that company’s first X-ray application laboratory in the U.S. This was a tremendous opportunity and launched Vic’s career to new heights.

As a result of Vic’s long and distinguished career, he was acknowledged in 2005 with the prestigious Jenkins Award. This honor recognizes those scientists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of X-ray methods used in the analysis of materials. Today the couple resides in Portola Valley, Calif.

Vic and Janet Buhrke are very special friends of the University of Illinois, and we are deeply grateful for their exceptional generosity and foresight.

The U of I Foundation gift planning staff is pleased to answer your questions and offer assistance at any time. Please contact the Foundation to learn more.