Burge earns national Delta Zeta award

As gratifying as the national honor is, Burge said her experiences at UNG are even more valuable.

"I've always been big on finding community and people who will support you on your hard days and your good days," Burge said. "I've made connections that will follow me forever."

Burge was already setting high standards before becoming a full-time student at UNG, amassing enough dual enrollment credits that she plans to graduate this fall only two and a half years removed from her high school graduation. A Buford, Georgia, resident, Burge is pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in interdisciplinary leadership.

"I've always wanted to understand people's differences better," Burge said. "My studies really inspired me to help people grow in their strengths."

The First-Generation college student served as a student worker in Fraternity and Sorority Life throughout her first two years on campus. She helped the office in a time of transition as Fraternity and Sorority Life Director Michael Steele and Madeline Lindell, coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, were both hired into their roles while Burge was a student worker.

"Makenzie represents what we hope students gain through their involvement in fraternities and sororities experienced at UNG," Steele said. "To see her recognized nationally is exciting, but what stands out most is the impact she has made on the people and organizations around her."

Burge has served in a variety of roles on campus, including Panhellenic vice president of philanthropy and scholarship, Order of Omega membership and recruitment chairwoman, and Delta Zeta academic chairwoman.

Lindell called Burge "a ray of sunshine" who leads by example.

"She's very determined. She has goals. She knows what she wants, and she has the skills to be able to achieve her goals," Lindell said. "So I know that regardless of where life takes her after graduation, she will succeed and she will make a positive impact."

Burge can't imagine how different her college journey would have been without Fraternity and Sorority Life and the leadership opportunities the office afforded her.

"I've become so much more confident in myself and my ability to serve others and impact my community," Burge said. "I'm really grateful to that office for recognizing a lot of potential that I didn't necessarily see and helping me grow in that way."

UNG's Xi Xi chapter of Delta Zeta was chartered April 29, 1989.