Before Burke-Schwarz started at UMBC, she knew precisely where her studies were going to lead her, thanks to an early love for horses. "I knew Maryland didn't have a veterinary school," she remembers, "and I wanted the very best education in a competitive environment to prepare."

Her studies began the summer before her first semester with a research assistant position in a UMBC laboratory. By the end of her four years, she had offers from several veterinary schools, and ended up earning her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Ohio State University in 1985. With a recently approved government subsidy to expand the Paradise Animal Hospital that she founded in Catonsville, MD. Burke-Schwarz's commitment to her community remains steadfast and her vision clear.

"What's important to me," says Burke-Schwarz, "is the relationship between the pet and the family." She credits the practice's success to its service and staff: "We provide superior vet care and I have a commitment to my staff, which means a commitment to communication."

"I try to live the balance of a good professional, business and family life," she says. "What I do may not be as important as other alumni, but the community depends on the practice. Being there for the families and maintaining a useful community service has value all by itself."

Burke-Schwarz's volunteer and community service extends beyond the vital service of her hospital. She often speaks at local schools about responsible pet ownership, provides internships for area high school and college students who are interested in careers in veterinary medicine and donates medical care for dogs being trained for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. She is a member of the Howard County Animal Board and is the first female member of the Catonsville Rotary Club.

While a student at UMBC, she enriched the life of the university through her commitment to the campus, which included being the "co-motivator" in the founding of the Ambassador's Club as well as an active participant. Now as an alumna, she's spoken to incoming freshmen and their families about her UMBC experience. She continues to support the university as a donor and as an inspiration to young women interested in biology and medicine.