UCSD’s new Graduate School of Management received a $5 million gift from Roberta and Malin Burnham in late February. The funds are designated for use at the dean’s discretion.
“”I am absolutely thrilled that the Burnhams have assumed a leadership role by helping to establish and create a world-class school of management that will be as good as any in the world,”” said Robert S. Sullivan, the founding dean at the new management school.
While exact allocations have not been finalized, Sullivan said the donation will be used for the school’s immediate operating expenses and for long-term goals, such as breaking ground on a new building.
Malin Burnham, chairman of The Burnham Companies, has been heavily involved in the founding of the management school.
“”We are eager to see the management school begin its efforts to train future business leaders for San Diego, the nation and the world — especially in the high-tech fields,”” Burnham said.
“”Furthermore, we believe that UCSD will attract new talent to our region, and many of the school’s graduates will stay and build their careers here.””
The School of Management, which was approved by the UC Regents in October 2001, was established to complement UCSD’s strengths in science and technology and to help fill the need for strong management skills in today’s economy.
UCSD’s School of Management will admit a limited number of executive MBA students in fall 2004 and will begin enrolling full-time students a year later.
UCSD Chancellor Robert C. Dynes extended his thanks for the donation.
“”The Burnhams have played a critical role in the establishment of the school and believe that its program will help keep San Diego at the forefront of the nation’s high-tech and biotech industries,”” Dynes said.
In addition to heading the school’s fund-raising efforts, Burnham is a trustee and chair emeritus of the UC San Diego Foundation, a member of the university’s Board of Overseers, and a founding member of the Chancellor’s Associates and UCSD Connect.
Burnham currently serves on the director’s cabinet at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and on the advisory council at the Jacobs School of Engineering.
In 2002, Burnham received the Chancellor’s Medal in recognition of his support for higher education and commitment to the San Diego community.
According to Sullivan, Burnham does not like the fanfare that comes with giving. However, it is expected that the Burnhams will be recognized at the kickoff of UCSD’s Capital Campaign on March 15.
“”Malin really has led by example,”” Sullivan said. “”He’s giving because he cares.””
At peak enrollment, the School of Management is expected to consist of about 1,200 students matriculating toward masters of business administration degrees, doctorates or executive MBAs.
The School of Management at UCSD will also offer joint degree programs with the Jacobs School of Engineering, the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, and the School of Medicine. Short-term seminars and certification programs will also be offered to provide continuing executive education for industry.
The gift was made through the Burnham Foundation, which is a private, non-profit, public benefit corporation established by Roberta and Malin Burnham in 1980.
