There’s no mistaking the kindly expression of Jerry Burtenshaw on the newly installed signage in the Department of Hospitality Business Management’s conference room. Family members, faculty, staff, and students of the Carson College of Business gathered in 2024 to celebrate officially naming the space the Jerry Burtenshaw Memorial Conference Room.
The naming recognizes Jerry (’56) and Angelina Burtenshaw’s lengthy service to accelerate transformational hospitality education and experiences at WSU.
“Jerry Burtenshaw was a founding member of the School of Hospitality Business Management Advisory Board and continued to serve up until his death — nearly 50 years,” said Nancy Swanger, director of the Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living, who had a close working relationship with him. “Everything of significance in the hospitality school today is here because of the Burtenshaws’ generosity and deep love for hospitality.”
Burtenshaw generosity continues to benefit students
The Burtenshaws established several endowments in the hospitality school to memorialize their son, Calvin Brett, who had planned to attend WSU but was tragically lost in a traffic accident. Over the last 40 years, hundreds of students have benefited from these endowments, which support the Burtenshaw Distinguished Lecture Series, Hospitality Career Night, Online Hospitality Career Night, and scholarships.
“Jerry Burtenshaw was a Coug down to his core. It has been a great honor for our entire family to see his legacy and contributions to the hospitality program honored through the naming of the hospitality conference room,” said Calvin Freatman, Jerry and Angelina’s grandson. “WSU was in the fabric of what made Jerry, Jerry. He will live on forever in the place that he loved so much. Our family would like to thank WSU, the School of Hospitality Business Management, and all of the amazing staff who have celebrated and honored his legacy with us.”
Everything of significance in the hospitality school today is here because of the Burtenshaws’ generosity and deep love for hospitality.
Nancy Swanger, director
Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living
Washington State University
Jerry Burtenshaw earned a WSU degree in hotel and restaurant administration. Over the years, he built a successful concessions business, Alpine-Burtco Company, which led to contracts at all the major stadiums in the state: the Kingdome, Husky Stadium, the Tacoma Dome, and Spokane’s Joe Albi Stadium.
“The Burtenshaws have impacted students’ lives professionally and personally,” said Bob Harrington, former director of the hospitality school. “Jerry and Angelina continue to inspire others through their generosity and have created a culture of giving back that will continue long into the future.”
