Edward K. Burbridge, Class of 1969

Edward K. Burbridge, Class of 1969, recalls the Woodbury Summer Showcase in the debut of "In Your Own Words."

Woodbury Summer Showcase, 1969

 
About the Author

After graduating in November 1969 with a bachelor of science degree in journalism, Burbridge went on to work in community relations for the Los Angeles CBS television affiliate, then known as KNXT. He moved to crosstown rival KABC-TV, Channel 7, in 1970 and found success as assistant director of research and sales promotion — a job title he jokes was so long that he had to have his business cards reprinted.

Burbridge soon declined a promotion that required a move to New York City and instead moved into the real estate business, brokering sales and loan transactions for the past 25-plus years. He and his wife Maxine are both real estate brokers and own and operate Burbridge Realty in West Covina, California.

The business allows him time to pursue his passion for writing — the Chicago native penned a novel, "The Landlady's Daughter" in the late 1960s, despite the pressures of school and work.

"Writing fascinated me enough to study journalism and my journalism training helped me to write a novel. That's what I wanted to do with my life," he says. "But in order to earn a living, well that's two different things. I never wanted to be a person totally dedicated to being completely artistic. I still find time to do writing, but I also make a living, too. I'm practical about that."

Burbridge credits his Woodbury years for keeping him focused on business success.

"The Woodbury experience was important for me from the standpoint that the downtown campus was a business atmosphere," he says. "My biggest inspiration was Mrs. (Dora) Kirby (the president of Woodbury). She was a business-type person. Students wore shirts and ties to class. She wanted students to be business-like, to leave school and go out and apply themselves to the business world.

"That impressed me quite a bit. And that helped me to get those two jobs at the studio and further helped me to stay business minded throughout my career."

* "In Your Own Words" is a regular series of anecdotes about Woodbury experiences, submitted by you, our alumni.

To submit an "In Your Own Words" article, please contact Claudia Campos, alumni relations officer, Office of University Advancement, at 818.767.0888 or claudia.campos@woodbury.edu; or Evanne Levin, major gifts officer, Office of University Advancement, at 818.767.0888 or evanne.levin@woodbury.edu.