Sigma Tau Gamma Headquarters has learned that Bernard (Bernie) M. Durkin, Alliance College ’60 passed away on May 20, 2017.

Bernie was born on November 13, 1941, in Pennsylvania to Edward and Cathryn Durkin.

He started college in 1959 at Alliance College and was initiated into Sig Tau Gamma’s Beta Beta Chapter in 1960. He graduated from Alliance College in 1963 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry and obtained his Teaching Certifications in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Bernie later received his Masters of Science from Duquesne University.

In his career, Durkin taught science at the high school and junior college levels. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1968 and continued his service as a Chief Radioman in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 16 years.

Bernie was a devoted and loyal Sig Tau. In 1975, he was honored as Outstanding Regional Director.  Bernie was a 1980 recipient of the Winebrenner Medal. He was a dedicated volunteer and attended 1980, 1982, and 1988 conventions. He also served on the Foundation Board of Trustees from 1982-1984.

Bernie is also a member of The Golden Chain of Honor, a group of individuals who responded to a challenge to fund the construction of the Millsap Headquarters Building.

Robert Bernier remembers working alongside Bernie in the early 1970s saying, “It was because of Bernie’s devotion to his chapter that Sigma Tau Gamma succeeded in those years at such a small college (Alliance College).” Bob continued saying, “Bernie was very down to earth, among the least pretentious people I have known.  He was an effective leader.  He was the kind of guy you would like to have at your side in any situation.”

Chief Executive Officer Emeritus Bill Bernier remembered Bernie as “a wonderful brother who benefited scores of young people in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area as a teacher of mathematics in high school and community college,” said Bernier. “I first came to know Bernie as a Regional Director in 1973. He was a humble, quiet, and likable guy.”

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY

Founded in Warrensburg, Missouri at the University of Central Missouri. On June 28, 2020, the fraternity will commemorate its 100th Anniversary. Today, there are more than 2,500 undergraduate members on 76 college/university campuses in 30 states. There are 60,391 living alumni. The Fraternity is headquartered 60 miles east of downtown Kansas City in Warrensburg, Missouri. Additional information about the fraternity is available at https://sigtau.org/