We are excited to announce Jeannine Burke, Manager of the Energy Systems Innovation Center (ESIC) with School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at WSU Pullman, as a Crimson Spirit Award recipient.
Jeannine’s nominators had many great things to say. “Jeannine has become the quiet force that holds our unit together. She is the “magic glue” in every sense: steady, thoughtful, and endlessly encouraging. Her dedication, grace, and genuine positivity make her not just an exceptional colleague, but an essential part of our community. What sets Jeannine apart is how deeply she cares about the people around her.”
“She has a way of making people feel seen and supported, often dropping whatever she’s doing to help a colleague or student. Even during challenging moments, she remains authentically optimistic. “
“Her ability to anticipate needs and quietly take action is remarkable. New faculty often describe her as a lifeline — someone who understands their challenges before they even articulate them.”
“Her attention to detail and her sense of responsibility are extraordinary. Jeannine consistently goes far beyond expectations across an enormous range of responsibilities. She manages student appointments, research proposals, and industry invoicing. She helps students navigate complex situations involving immigration, fellowships, and graduation.”
“Beyond ESIC, Jeannine pours her energy into the broader WSU community. She is always one of the first to volunteer—whether it’s staffing the EECS table at the ice cream social or brightening a potluck with her famous pumpkin soup. She also helps coordinate a one-week internship program that gives more than 40 students across the WSU system meaningful hands-on experience.
“In every way, Jeannine Burke embodies the Crimson Spirit. Her legacy at WSU is defined not only by her hard work and dedication, but by her kindness, empathy, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. She doesn’t just do her job — she lifts up the entire university through her presence, her generosity, and her heart.”
“Jeannine represents the Crimson Spirit in every sense—through her generosity, her resilience, her dedication to community, and her unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. The Crimson Spirit isn’t just about working hard; it’s about showing heart. And Jeannine shows hers every single day.”
