From Field to Board Room

Hard work pays off for Steve Burian, ’90, ’92.

Among the many accolades Steve Burian earned as a UND Track and Field athlete, the team’s “hardest worker” honor best reflects his approach to work and life. 

He combined his academic and athletic talents to secure a full-ride scholarship to UND, was a conference champion in track and field as a freshman, and achieved All-American status his final three years. He went on to start two successful companies, all while volunteering his time on several community boards.

“Once I got into the professional world, people could see I was hard-working and eager to learn. They would take me under their wing. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have people looking out for me.”

Two people stand out: a junior high track coach who taught proper throwing technique and helped shape Steve’s character, and an entrepreneurial professor whose class assignments opened doors.

“That professor was really good at assigning projects aligned with the real world. He connected me to a research project at the City of Grand Forks water utility, allowing me to do a project as part of my thesis that exposed me to new drinking water regulations.”

That experience laid the foundation for Steve’s first company, AE2S, which he cofounded in 1991 with Charlie Vein, ’76. They assessed and improved surface water systems across North Dakota, growing the company to over 280 employees with 22 offices during Steve’s tenure.

In 2020, Steve launched Burian and Associates LLC, which consults on water, municipal planning, site design, and land and rural development. The firm worked on Memorial Village I, the new home for UND Athletics.

Steve has been a generous supporter of several projects on campus, guided by a  “pay-it-back” philosophy. “The University gave me a full-ride scholarship and helped forge my career.” He also “pays it forward” mentoring young professionals at his firm. “One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping people just out of school discover what they’re good at and passionate about.”