Fleet Week Scholarship Program

The San Diego Fleet Week Foundation established the Scholarship Program for the benefit of San Diego naval personnel seeking to continue their education while on active duty.

In Honor of Peter Litrenta

Peter Litrenta earned his BA degree in Communications through the NROTC program at Notre Dame in 1964 and his MA degree in Public Relations from Boston University in 1972. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1989. He served three tours in Vietnam which included the Gulf of Tonkin incident that triggered America’s expansion of the Vietnam War. Litrenta organized the news bureau in Beirut and was a spokesman for the Marines. After 25 years of service, including tours in Hollywood, Hawaii, Italy and Greece, he retired as a captain.

In 1989, he became Vice President of Communications and Military Affairs at the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce. He then joined the America’s Cup Organizing Committee and was in charge of Community Relations. In June 1992, he was selected to direct the San Diego Port Tenants Association. Upon relinquishing the post, was elected Director Emeritus. He joined the Manchester Financial Group as a Senior Executive in 1996 and in 2002 formed his own consulting firm, Integrity Ink.

Litrenta organized and implemented the first SAN DIEGO RALLY AGAINST DRUGS, which mobilized over 35,000 participants. He was instrumental in organizing the first Relay for Life in Coronado and led “TEAM PETE” with friends and family in the fight against cancer.

His colleagues and friends have described Litrenta as a determined community volunteer who was completely loyal to those in uniform. He was commended by many for his “outstanding community service, leadership, and unselfish commitment to numerous non-profit and charitable organizations.” These organization include; San Diego USO, San Diego Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, San Diego Taxpayers Association, the Holiday and Poinsettia Bowls, San Diego Port Tenants Association, San Diego Fleet Week Foundation, Mayor’s BRAC Task Force, and was involved in bringing the USS Midway Museum to San Diego.

Litrenta served as President of the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation and was inducted into the Fleet Week Hall of Fame.

Litrenta, 66, passed away in April 2009 and is greatly missed.

In Honor of Dick Burt

Dick Burt earned his degree from Stanford University and his law degree from Boalt Hall at the University of California, Berkeley and served on active duty with the U.S. Navy during the mid-1950's aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Helena. Dick Burt, 69, an attorney, mover, shaker and citizen extraordinaire, passed away in June 2001.

Burt was a partner at the law firm of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich for more than 30 years. His record of public service in the San Diego community was extensive, including decades of involvement with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce including a stint as its chairman and chief executive. Burt served as general counsel and chamber board member until his death. He also was the past chairman of a group or prestigious local organizations that included the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and the San Diego Oceans Foundation.

Burt was the past president of the San Diego Navy League and a captain in the Naval Reserve. Until recently he served for many years as a member of the boards of the San Diego USO, The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, The San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, The San Diego Ports Tenant Association, The Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation and as the vice chairman of the board of KPBS.

Fleet Week Scholarship Application Process

A. Eligibility Requirements

Currently an active duty enlisted man or woman
United States citizenship
Community Service Involvement

B. Instructions For Submitting The Application

The application must be typed legibly or written in black ink.
Applications that are submitted without ALL required documentation will be disqualified.

C. Required Documentation

College official certified transcripts
2-page essay. (Prompt: Discuss the ways in which community volunteerism has affected your life.)
List of community volunteer participation with references.
One double-spaced, typewritten page summarizing school and career plans not to exceed 500 words.