The Liza Burke Community Spirit Award honors individuals and student organizations at the University of Georgia who profoundly and positively impact their peers, campus, or community through dedication, character, leadership, and creative thinking. Recipients demonstrate outstanding achievements in creating spaces or events that spark joy and enhance the community around the UGA campus.

Established in memory of Liza Burke, a vibrant UGA senior whose life exemplified community spirit and joy, the award is funded by the Liza and Edie Burke Educational Fund. This fund supports educational opportunities worldwide, including the Liza Burke Community Spirit Award at UGA.

The inaugural 2024 recipients were Julian Bolanos and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Julian, as Alpha Tau Omega’s inaugural philanthropy chairman, led significant fundraising efforts, including raising over $16,000 for Miracle at UGA and organizing the Tau Tug event, which hosted over 1,000 students and raised over $75,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He also served as the Hospital Relations Co-Chair for Miracle at UGA. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. demonstrated a profound positive impact through educational development, economic empowerment, physical and mental health initiatives, social action, and international awareness, contributing significantly to the well-being of their community members.