“This neighborhood is our home, and we wanted it to be a beautiful place to live.” -DOROTHEA BURNS

Dorothea Burns was born on July 15, 1931 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She went to Central High School and the University of Minnesota. She spent her life in the Rondo neighborhood working tirelessly to uplift the community and create positive change. In addition to her many volunteer roles in Summit-University, she worked at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center for much of her career, and was the Assistant Director until she retired in 2006. 

During her time at Hallie Q. she was a passionate advocate for Project Cheer, a Schubert Club program that offers free piano, rhythm, and guitar lessons to students who might not be able to access music lessons. They are fundraising in her honor this month, and invite you to consider supporting Project Cheer. You can donate to support Project Cheer here.

Dorothea is the grandmother of our Board Chair, Angela Burns Finney, who continues to carry her legacy and works to support the community.

Pictured above is Dorothea receiving the prestigious An Die Musik Award at the Schubert Club. From left to right: Granddaughter Angela Burns Finney, Sons Kevin and Cliffon Burns, Dorothea Burns, Daughter Laurie Burns, and Son Ralph Elliot.

Listen to Dorothea talk about her life: