The Larimer County Detention Center takes great pride in offering creative and beneficial programs to the inmates incarcerated here.

On July 26, Glenn Brandon Burke spoke to a group of about 60 inmates at the Larimer County Detention Center, involved in our Character First! program. Glenn spoke on his experiences growing up and how he made choices to succeed instead of fail. He offered inspiration to inmates by sharing with them that they also have a choice.

Glenn’s presentation was well received. The inmates stated that he was enthusiastic and humorous in his delivery of a heart felt message of hope and motivation.

The local newspaper, The Fort Collins, Coloradoan, quoted Glenn as stating, ”As long as you are alive you can make choices to impact your life.” He left the inmates with a message of encouragement to be all they can be once released.

The Program Unit at Larimer County Detention Center brings in a guest speaker one time per month, throughout the year to provide the inmates an opportunity to hear other people’s stories and offer them hope for success as they reintegrate into society.

Sincerely,
Laurie Stolen, CJM
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
Fort Collins, CO 80525

"You were the single best speaker we've ever had. Everyone else comes in and talks down to us. They tell us what we have to do. You came down to our level and spoke with us as equals, which we appreciated. You explained about choices, and everything we do is our choice. You made everything come clear. Thanks! Can you come back again?"

-Inmate: Larimer County Detention Center

Dear Mr. Burke,

On behalf of the Association of Students in Communication at the Community College of Southern Nevada, I would like to offer you our most sincere appreciation for your recent presentation to our students!

Your ability to capture our student’s attention with your POWERFUL life story coupled with your high energy was both captivating and inspirational. You have the unique ability of storytelling. I would conceptualize you as a master storyteller who knows how powerful stories can be in motivating students!

Your main message and underlying themes will go far in maintaining student retention rates here at the Community College of Southern Nevada. All too often, we hear of students who get caught up in “questionable activities” and simply give up on their education. I sincerely hope that after hearing your inspirational messages, our students will not only stay in school, but will excel in life.

And topping it off for the teachers in attendance on how they can make the difference in the life of a student was something of a great reminder! Thank you!

Thank you again for your dedication in educating our students and for your willingness to self-disclose seemingly personal information for the benefits of others.

Cordially,
James R. McCoy
Communication Dept. Chair
Community College of Southern Nevada

Smart Marketing
Las Vegas, NV 89141

Dear Glenn:

I would like to thank you very much for speaking at Smart Marketing’s annual meeting. Of all the speakers I’ve hired for motivational presentations with clients, you were by far the most captivating! I’m so glad we had you close our meeting.

The way you delivered your life story was so compelling I noticed some of the people sitting on the edge of their seats. But how you combined the adversity you experienced with your successes showed each and every person there is no reason not to succeed!

The motivation, inspiration and enthusiasm you brought out in your messages I’m sure will move my associates to even greater heights.

Lastly, I would like you to know that of all the speakers we’ve had over the years, you are one of a very special few who received a standing ovation.

Congratulations on an outstanding job!

I look forward to having you return next year. I’ll give you plenty of advance notice for the date.

Yours,
Steve Meyer, President

Department of the Navy
Medical Treatment Facility
US Naval Hospital Ship Mercy (T –AH 19)
FPO AP 96672-4090

Dear Mr. Burke:

I am writing to express our command’s appreciation to your assistance in speaking to our troops about tuition assistance and the benefits of college. It was truly an honor having you aboard our ship to speak with our sailors. You sir, are a walking, talking motivation machine!

Though I completed my education while serving our country and have always encouraged my personnel to do the same, it was you who touched their hearts and showed them the importance of educating themselves while still on active duty.

Since your visit with our troops, I have approved 45 requests for tuition assistance for education. That is over one-third of our enlisted personnel onboard! We haven’t had that many over the past three years put together.

Your personal history and life lessons incorporated made for an enlightening presentation. You are pure motivation and an inspiration to all. I salute you!

I’m retiring this August, but will pass on your information to my replacement.

Sincerely,
R. J. Lee
Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Navy

Dear Mr. Burke,

I spent most of my youth in and out of juvenile hall and many years of my adult life also incarcerated. This is my first week in college. I'm 28-years-old, and until I heard your story, I was going to quite. But you have inspired me to stay in school until I graduate. As you said, if you can do it, so can I. And I will.

The world needs people like you. Please keep sharing your story.

Thank you,
Robert G.
(Student: Community College of Southern Nevada)

Mr. Burke,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and the other students. You may not know this, but you have made a huge difference in all our lives. A difference for the better which will carry on throughout our lives.

Thank you very much for sharing your story.

Respectfully,
Eric J.
(Student: Colorado State University)

Glenn, you have re-ignited the passion in me to teach the way I use to, and that's to make a difference in the lives of my students.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You do make a difference.

Attendee: Louisiana Community & Technical College System Conference

I recently experienced Glenn Brandon Burke's personal story and I find it extremely powerful and a true testimony to a man that was given a second chance in life. Glenn has honorably served this country with a stint in the Navy. I know if you hear his story you will inspired by it.  God Bless you, Glenn.

Respectfully,
Colonel T. C. Supler (RET)
Louisiana College & Career Transistions Coordinator