By Suzy Alstrin
What began as recreational hiking in North Georgia with Reinhardt dormmates developed into a goal of climbing the largest summits in the world for Gary Burden (RU-1993). Burden hiked in Blue Ridge and Ellijay as an undergraduate, and has now successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
In June of 2024, Burden traveled as part of a ten-person team from five countries and triumphed as one of eight to successfully climb nearly 20,000 feet (about twice the height of Mount St. Helens) to the top. “It was incredibly rewarding for me being the second oldest person on the team,” he says. “It was quite a journey. It was about 20 below zero and very windy.”
Mount Everest represents Burden’s next major goal. Training includes a daily 5K run and smaller climbs worldwide as often as possible. In 2023, he completed a 180-mile hike to the four highest peaks in New Mexico.
Burden draws parallels between hiking and business when speaking publicly about health discipline, financial discipline, and setting ambitions. “Continually hold yourself accountable for your progress,” he urges. “Set a goal, have a clear understanding of your goal and different outcomes, and get feedback as to where you are to make it to the next step. If you become stagnant, reassess your vision. Stay relevant in your knowledge and physical ability to do things.”
At South State Bank, where he serves as a branch manager, Burden challenges his employees to collectively match his 800,000 steps a month. He now observes them getting up from their desks more often. When they inquire how he can afford costly hikes, he says it starts with the small things, such as bringing his lunch every day which helps health-wise and financially.
Before becoming a banker and following graduation from Reinhardt’s criminal justice program, Burden spent six years in law enforcement in Georgia, including as a detective and on the SWAT team. He advises others, “Don’t be afraid to try new things.”
While at Reinhardt, Burden was a Sigma Phi Nu fraternity member and yearbook photographer and editor. Despite his spectacular new experiences, he still remembers Reinhardt fondly, “I remember when professors lived on campus, and if you didn’t understand something, you could knock on their door, and they would sit on the porch at 10:30 at night and explain it to you. It was exactly what I needed at the time.” Now, one step at a time, Burden inspires others to be the best they can be.
