The Raymond L. Gardner Alumnus of the Year Award is awarded annually to an alumnus who best exemplifies the teachings of The Bond of Phi Delta Theta through his activities in higher education and community service. For his enduring dedication and support of the Fraternity, higher education, and community, it is with great pride that the General Council of Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity recognizes Brother James P. Burra, California State University-Northridge ’67 as the 2019 recipient.
Jim Burra was appointed a member of the Board of Trustees of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation in January of 1999 and became Chairman of the Board in January of 2001 for six years. He was a founder of the CSUN Housing Corporation and served as its president for ten years. He also served Phi Delta Theta as the Omicron South Province President for four years. In 2008 Jim Burra was awarded the Phi Delta Theta Legion of Merit Award, which honors outstanding Phis who have made a lifelong commitment to the service of Phi Delta Theta. Jim and his wife Kay are generous supporters of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation and are Whole Man Scholarship donors. His community involvement includes serving as a director of the Orange County Region of the American Cancer Society and chairman of the board for two years and serving on the Board of Trustees of Chapman University. At Chapman University, Burra assisted with the founding of the California Phi Chapter and served on the Chapter Advisory Board.
Jim currently serves as CEO and President of Endural, a manufacturer of plastic returnable containers for the electronic and automotive industries. He also serves on the boards of Semtech Corporation, an analog semiconductor company. His previous business experiences include positions as CFO of Intercole Inc., a multi-industry industrial products company, and as a senior audit manager with Arthur Andersen & Co.
