Jan 28, 2016

Maxine, Bob Burton presented Medallion of Honor from UGA College of Agriculture

University of Georgia alumni Maxine and Bob Burton have been awarded the Medallion of Honor by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Each year, the honor is presented to an outstanding individual or couple in recognition of their dedication to the college’s mission and to express gratitude for the time, advice, support, and influence they have provided. The Burtons were recognized at the recent commencement ceremony for the college, where they gave the keynote address to the graduates.

“Supporters like the Burtons help ensure that we continue to provide a high quality education to our students, conduct cutting edge research, and serve the citizens throughout the state of Georgia,” said Joe Broder, interim dean and director of the UGA CAES. “The Burtons have been longtime friends and supporters of UGA, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension, and 4-H. This relationship goes back to their roots as 4-H members, where they excelled in their projects. They now credit 4-H with helping them gain valuable life skills.”

“The Burtons have remained involved with the university and the college, and they continue to give back to organizations that gave them so much,” he said.

Maxine and Bob Burton own burton + BURTON, a leading supplier of balloons and coordinating gift products. Since 1982, Maxine, the company’s founder and president, has established the company as a leader in the balloon and gift industry, and it has become the largest supplier of balloons and related gift items in the United States. The company employs a staff of more than 260 people.

“To be recognized with the Medallion of Honor is indeed an honor,” said Maxine. “The University of Georgia College of Agriculture is doing amazing work preparing its students to be future stewards of Georgia’s natural resources. We are proud to be associated with such a noble mission.”

Bob and Maxine continue to be strong supporters of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as well as Georgia 4-H. In 1998, the Burtons provided funds to complete renovations and enhancements at Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island, formerly known as the Tybee 4-H Center. At the time, theirs was the largest gift ever to Georgia 4-H during the Pledged for Life Capital Campaign. The couple remains involved at the camp and each year provides backpacks for all campers at the Burton 4-H Center.

Bob has also been a longtime member of the Georgia 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees.
In addition to their love of Georgia 4-H, the Burtons also support UGA and higher education through the Hubbard-Burton Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a UGA undergraduate student pursuing a degree in education.

“Bob and Maxine make a point to give back to their community and serve on numerous charitable boards, economic committees, community development organizations, philanthropies, and professional organizations,” Broder said. “They have been close friends of the college, often helping the administration make important connections and serving as trusted advisors to the dean. They are true advocates for agriculture, education, and civic engagement. They believe that land grant institutions like UGA play a valuable role in helping communities thrive, ensuring that cutting edge research is discovered, and that students can obtain a quality education.”