Alumni Spotlight - Kelly Burgess Bullock '83

What do you remember most fondly about your time at EC

EC’s Class of 1983 was a group of 192 students who enjoyed our high school years. Much of our cohesiveness was a result of the esprit de corps felt and lived during our time at EC. We enjoyed a successful football program under Jim Rattay, Mark McGuire, and Fred Schmitz; and a successful basketball program under Bob Guinta.  We were a small, tight knit community within EC and in Elyria, united by common values and experiences.  Many friendships I formed at EC and prior, have endured despite distance and passing time. I value these long-lasting friendships because they formed the foundation for who I am today.

What did you learn or experience at EC that has helped you in your life now?

I credit Elyria Catholic, catholic education, and these lasting friendships and shared experiences, for much of my success in life. Initially, I understood that my education at Elyria Catholic gave me a vision and hope for a better future, particularly in a struggling economy in a poor community. I can quote the statistics:  98% college entry rate, $12,050,668 in scholarships awarded to the graduating class, and successful careers of so many who walked the halls of Elyria Catholic. I hope the community recognizes this.  These are not just mere statistics but proven time and time again that quality education and shared values and experiences provide great opportunity.  Students who chose the military or immediate work opportunities after high school also have success stories. 

It was later in life, when choosing Catholic schools for my boys, that I deeply understood the immense blessing of my education at Elyria Catholic.  I recognized that it was more than a great education, but a Catholic Education. I was asked why I chose Catholic education for my boys when there are ‘plenty of better public schools’ in Phoenix. My answer became clear because it is quite simple, Christ. Christ’s teachings immersed in the fabric of a solid education, is the key to success in the education of humanity.  This is the history and tradition of Catholic Education since its founding  in America in 1809 by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. I treasure it and support it today.

Did you have a favorite teacher? Why were they your favorite?

My favorite teacher at EC, by far, was Miss Mary Garton.  Miss Garton was the Honors English 10 teacher.  She was a calm, steady, caring, and loving influence at EC.   Everyone loved her.  She invested in her students; she didn’t just teach the subject matter.  She cared that you were learning and growing to prepare you for the future.  She and this class were the foundation for writing skills that I would employ throughout college and my career.  Honors English  classes at EC were challenging and far exceeded any Composition and Writing class at LCCC and beyond!

What did your life look like upon graduation? (college, workforce, whatever it may be)

I had been working since age 14 and knew that I had to continue to work to pay for college. So, I chose the most affordable path, attending LCCC for the first 2 years, transferring to Cleveland State University, and later graduating from Golden Gate University.  I am proud to note that LCCC, in EC’s back yard, is rated in the top 6% of community colleges, nationwide. 

I serve as Chief Financial Officer for Lung Cancer Research Foundation today, and have served as a Finance, Accounting, and HR professional over a 25+-year career in the Nonprofit sector.  My passion for servant leadership in the nonprofit religious, social service, higher education, and currently medical research has been very satisfying and humbling.  At the sunset of my career, I strive to help organizations achieve their financial goals while mentoring young accounting professionals to achieve their professional dreams. I also serve on 2 Boards of Directors at NPO organizations as their Finance Committee Chair.  I love to invest my time, talent and treasure to help them achieve their goals

What do you do in your free time? (hobbies, time with family, etc.)

I love to spend time with my family, first and foremost. I love to engage in my faith community, St. Joan of Arc, in Phoenix, AZ. I love to travel, explore, and immerse myself in the culture, community, and traditions of others!  I am traveling to Italy, Austria, and Germany in the autumn with family.  I recently traveled to the Savannah and Tybee Island with three fellow Elyria Catholic/St. Jude friends/alumni who I have been friends with for 55 years!!  I love to cook and decorate, striving for a healthy and peaceful environment. I love to garden, walk, hike, and be outdoors, immersing myself in God’s creation.

What advice do you have for current students:  

Keep Christ as your center in all you do

Connect and engage with others, get involved, make lasting friendships, celebrate the best  your high school experience provides, immerse yourself in your high school esprit de corps. Heed the wisdom of those who have gone before you – family, coaches, mentors, teachers. Reflect, recognize, and express gratitude to those who have assisted you on your journey.  Invest in your spiritual development – probably the most important advice I can offer. Serve others:  volunteer your time, talent, treasure to those in need; give back. Take advantage of the amazing opportunity at EC to grow, learn, & achieve your dreams

The Elyria Catholic High School alma mater truly embodies my fond memories, experiences, values, and Catholic faith at EC, even 42 years since graduation.  

I pray that each of you experience this!