ANNE M. BURKE
CLASS OF 1976
ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE
Anne M. Burke has dedicated her life to advocating for intellectually disabled children and adults. Burke co-founded the now globally recognized nonprofit organization, Special Olympics, giving thousands the opportunity to experience the joys and rewards of athletic competition. Inspired by this work and starting the organization, Burke returned to school, earning a degree from DePaul’s School of New Learning, now the School of Continuing and Professional Studies in 1976. After a 16-year career as an Illinois’ Supreme Court chief justice, Burke recently announced that she will retire in late November 2022.
