Applause for Moskal-Burges Scholarship in Theatre 

“All the world’s a stage” rang particularly true for the multi-talented Charlene “Char” Moskal-Burges ’61, who passed away in October. After earning a BA in drama from Woman’s College (UNC Greensboro) and then a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University, she studied internationally at institutes of the University of London, the American University of Cairo, and the Jagellonian University in Poland, and worked at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. 

In early February of 2023, she set her sights on making an impact where her scholarly pursuits began.

Char and her husband, Bill, longtime supporters of UNCG’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, established the Charlene Moskal-Burges ’61 and Bill Burges Scholarship Endowment in Theatre. It will provide scholarship funding for students majoring in theatre at UNCG.   

Says Dean bruce d. mcclung, “For more than 100 years, UNCG’s School of Theatre has been training actors, designers, stage managers, and theatre educators. The Burgeses’ scholarship support today and in the future will light the way for generations of deserving and talented students to pursue their career goals here at UNCG.” 

Char credited Woman’s College with giving her a solid base from which to build her life and distinguished career, as well as an appreciation for intellectual curiosity, lifelong learning, and a wide variety of personal experiences. Through this scholarship, the Burgeses have offered the same opportunities to others. 

Serving as an original and tenured faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College’s downtown Cleveland (Ohio) Metropolitan Campus from 1963 to 1993, Char directed both the theatre program and college-wide Television Center. A local leader in the arts, she initiated the strong, still-running partnership between the College and Cleveland’s renowned Playhouse Square theatre district. She also traveled to China to provide media and educational consultation in the Hubei Province, was honored as a “Leader for Junior Colleges,” and was selected for an institute for leaders in educational television by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  

Char and Bill co-founded Burges & Burges Strategists in 1983, where she led the firm’s work in direction and production, media coaching, and presentation planning. She produced award-winning videos and commercials for many significant ballot issue campaigns, major political candidates, and a broad range of organizations and companies. 

Char once said, “Working with Bill to create something together that would be shared with others enriches both our lives and theirs” – an apt sentiment describing both the couple’s business and generous gift to UNCG. 

This scholarship funding is part of the Light the Way campaign, which seeks to raise $200 million to increase access, elevate academic excellence, and enhance the tremendous impact of UNCG’s programs. Details are at lighttheway.uncg.edu.