University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics

Friend of the Bulldogs Mike Burke Nominated for Spirit of Mazda Award for Support of UNC Asheville
07.25.2018 | Athletics News
Vote for Mike Burke! (vote link is after finalists)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Friend of the Bulldogs Mike Burke has been named a finalist for the Spirit of Mazda award for June for his support of UNC Asheville athletics.
The voting for the June Spirit of Mazda award closes out Friday, July 27, so make sure and get in your vote today HEREÂ (vote link is after finalists).
According to Mazda, Burke's nomination is because "after retiring from a career in the automotive industry, Mike Burke moved to Asheville, N.C., where he became a huge supporter of the UNC Asheville Bulldogs. Not only does he volunteer on an athletic committee, his cars – formerly Spec Miata, now a 2006 MX-5 he runs in Touring 4 – are named after the UNC Asheville mascot."
The Spirit of Mazda award allows Mazda to honor the many who embody the Spirit of Mazda. Mazda Motorsports seeks to recognize those who go above and beyond in their quest to be the best they can be.
The Spirit of Mazda has seven basic principles. They are:
His work with the BAA Board and the Branding, Marketing and Communications Committee are just small examples of the numerous ways he helps the university as Burke can almost always be found supporting the Bulldogs during home and away events.
In October of 2017 in his "Rocky II" car, Burke competed for a National Championship at the Sports Car Club of America 2017 National Championship Runoffs at the "Racing Capital of the World" at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Â
To learn more about the June Spirit of Mazda finalists and to vote, please visit HEREÂ (vote link is after finalists).
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Friend of the Bulldogs Mike Burke has been named a finalist for the Spirit of Mazda award for June for his support of UNC Asheville athletics.
The voting for the June Spirit of Mazda award closes out Friday, July 27, so make sure and get in your vote today HEREÂ (vote link is after finalists).
According to Mazda, Burke's nomination is because "after retiring from a career in the automotive industry, Mike Burke moved to Asheville, N.C., where he became a huge supporter of the UNC Asheville Bulldogs. Not only does he volunteer on an athletic committee, his cars – formerly Spec Miata, now a 2006 MX-5 he runs in Touring 4 – are named after the UNC Asheville mascot."
The Spirit of Mazda award allows Mazda to honor the many who embody the Spirit of Mazda. Mazda Motorsports seeks to recognize those who go above and beyond in their quest to be the best they can be.
The Spirit of Mazda has seven basic principles. They are:
- Integrity – We keep acting with integrity toward our customers, society and our own work.
- Basics/Flawless Execution – We devote ourselves to the basics, and make steady efforts in a step-by-step fashion.
- Continuous Kaizen – We continue to improve with wisdom and ingenuity.
- Challenger Spirit – We set a high goal, and keep challenging to achieve it.
- Self-Initiative – We think and act with "self-initiative."
- Tomoiku – We learn and teach each other for our mutual growth and success.
- One Mazda – We think and act with the view of "Global" and "One Mazda."
His work with the BAA Board and the Branding, Marketing and Communications Committee are just small examples of the numerous ways he helps the university as Burke can almost always be found supporting the Bulldogs during home and away events.
In October of 2017 in his "Rocky II" car, Burke competed for a National Championship at the Sports Car Club of America 2017 National Championship Runoffs at the "Racing Capital of the World" at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Â
To learn more about the June Spirit of Mazda finalists and to vote, please visit HEREÂ (vote link is after finalists).
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