The scholarship is established in memory and honor of M.D. and Elfriede Burt by their children, Charlotte, Carmen, Susan, and Stephen Burt. M.D. and Elfriede believed in hard work, education, and the opportunities those things can offer. The scholarship is intended to honor M.D. and Elfriede, while making their vision a reality.

M.D. and Elfriede were hard workers who overcame humble beginnings to succeed by facing life together, building a family, and accomplishing many of their dreams. M.D. was born on a farm; he lost his parents during the Great Depression, and served in the U.S. Army in Europe during WW II. Elfriede grew up in Germany, and survived WW II working as a librarian. They met in Germany after the war, and moved to Ohio to start a family.

M.D. began his career at Davey climbing trees, before managing his own truck and crew, and eventually becoming senior account manager. He went on to become one of Davey’s longest-tenured employees, serving more than 47 years with the never-ending support of Elfriede.

Their life circumstances prevented them from pursuing their own college degrees, but M.D. and Elfriede believed education was key for their children to pursue their own dreams. All four of their children earned the original Davey Tree scholarship, which was critical to making that goal possible. The scholarship honors M.D. and Elfriede’s commitment to both education and The Davey Tree Company by offering a scholarship to Davey employees’ children to pursue their own educational goals at an Ohio college of their choice.