March 4, 2024
[San Antonio, TX] – Central Catholic High School is delighted to announce a significant gift from Robert “Bob” and Anna Elizondo ’62 to further support and enhance the Class of 1962 - The Brother Jim Burkholder Scholarship Fund. This generous donation will give an opportunity to empower more deserving students to experience the Brotherhood and receive a Marianist education!
“Young men would be given an opportunity, that they might not have had otherwise, to receive the same quality education that we had”, said Bob and Anna.
It's incredible to hear about the lifelong friendship they share with Bro. Jim Burkholder!
Their bond originated during their time at Sacred Heart Catholic School, starting in the first grade. Through the years and separating to attend different schools, fate brought Bob and Brother Jim together again at Central Catholic High School, while Anna began attending Providence Catholic School.
After graduating in 1962, they went their separate ways again but were eventually reunited when Bob retired as the Miami-based vice president of operations in the Americas for United Parcel Service in 2001 after working for the company for 31 years. Before joining UPS, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and with the Boeing Company’s Launch Systems Branch. The Elizondos returned to San Antonio in 2001. The reunion with Bro. Jim was a joyful one, and their friendship grew even stronger.
With their remarkable commitment to education and philanthropy, Mr. and Mrs. Elizondo just a few weeks ago, at a reception for scholarship recipients and their benefactors, Bob & Anna surprised their lifelong friend by making a gift of $500,000 to the Class of 1962 Brother Jim Burkholder Scholarship. Their gift will expand the reach and impact of the scholarship, providing dozens more students with the opportunity to receive financial assistance to attend Central Catholic High School.
“While all 3 of us were still alive and together, Anna and I wanted Bro. Jimmy to know the scholarships that would be given in his name would go on for many years to come” - Robert “Bob” Elizondo ’62.
Bob Elizondo served on the Central Catholic Board of Directors as an At-Large Director, former Board Chair, and led two successful capital campaigns to build the Michael David Elizondo Library Resource Center in 2013 & the Kahlig-Cowie Convocation Center in 2019.
Elizondo believes people do not become successful on their own, but do so with the support of family, community, and a good educational institution. Giving back is the best way to help those coming behind you.
Brother Burkholder, S.M. is celebrating 62 years of vocation to the Marianists and retired in 2020 after 53 years of teaching at Central Catholic High School. He taught physics and held a variety of positions across campus administration and athletics during those years.
“This blessing for our deserving students is not only continuing the legacy of Central Catholic building future leaders but also about celebrating the friendship and love that The Elizondos have for their dear friend, Bro. James Burkholder,” said Jason Longoria ’96, Central Catholic High School President. "We are truly grateful to Bob and Anna for their extraordinary generosity and for believing in the power of education in a Marianist Tradition.”