A scholarship named for former judge Don Burgess of Bridge City soon will help Lamar University students who otherwise might not be able to attend school.

Burgess was honored Tuesday as the namesake of the seventh Southeast Legends Scholarship created at Lamar University by the Beaumont Foundation of America.

“Knowing it’s going to allow folks who would perhaps not have the opportunity to get an education to do so is really what makes it special,” Burgess said in a Lamar University news release. “I am blessed to be associated with this honor.”

Burgess’ mother was a teacher and his wife, Bobbie Burgess, is vice-president of student services and auxiliary enterprises at Lamar State College-Orange.

A Beaumont native, Burgess began his legal career in 1972 as an Orange County assistant district attorney.

He was appointed 260th District Court judge in 1978 and later won election to the seat.

Burgess then served as an associate justice on the Texas Ninth Court of Appeals from 1984 to 2005, when he took senior status.

Each of the legends scholarships created by the Beaumont Foundation of America is backed by a $100,000 gift to the university. Two more are planned.

Previously announced honorees were George McLaughlin, who held positions at Lamar from professor to chancellor; Lamar President James Simmons; and lawyers Everett Lord, Major T. Bell, Joe Tonahill and John G. Tucker.

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