University of Rochester Trustee Barbara Burger ’83 gives $2 million to support research, innovation, and the student experience

Burger’s latest gift continues her legacy of philanthropy and engagement, establishes a new directorship, and launches a pilot undergraduate research program.

Rochester Trustee Barbara J. Burger ’83—a respected leader in energy transition, corporate and non-profit board member, thought leader, speaker, and community builder—has made a $2,000,000 commitment to support research, innovation, and the student experience at the University of Rochester. Burger’s philanthropy builds on a series of gifts she has made to the University, aligning her lifelong dedication to fostering exceptional education, research excellence, and the success of faculty and staff—cornerstones of the University’s 2030 Boundless Possibility strategic plan. This gift is a continuation of Burger’s years of support, furthering the impact of her overall philanthropy while exploring new areas of discovery.

Burger’s gift will specifically provide $1,000,000 to establish the Barbara J. Burger iZone Directorship. Her commitment to iZone began in 2015 when she made a lead gift of $1,000,000 to River Campus Libraries to create the space. Named in her honor, the Barbara J. Burger iZone is a collaborative creative problem-solving environment that opened in 2018, providing students with resources to explore ideas and develop innovative projects that drive social, cultural, and community impact.

Burger’s latest gift will also provide more than $250,000 to launch the Barbara J. Burger Chemical Sustainability Scholars pilot program. Open to chemistry and chemical engineering majors after their first or sophomore year, the pilot program will provide a new pathway for exploring professional interests during a 15-month research project.

Having dedicated her career to the energy industry, Burger is keenly interested in energy transition, focusing on improving the energy system’s access, reliability, and affordability, and reducing its impact on communities and the environment. This pilot program at the University, she says, will provide an opportunity for students to address this issue directly. Additionally, $750,000 will be allocated to a general fund, reserved for future designation to support initiatives that align with the University’s priorities and Burger’s philanthropic goals.

“Barbara’s multifaceted gift highlights her unwavering advocacy for education and innovation, and underscores her dedication as an alumna, volunteer leader, and trailblazer in science and technology,” says Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, University of Rochester president and G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor. “We are tremendously grateful for her ongoing partnership and her tireless pursuit of excellence.”

Says Burger, “When I was a student here, people invested in me, sharing their time, knowledge, and financial resources. This is a key driver in me helping the next generation. Today, I have the opportunity to give back, both philanthropically and through my ideas, energy, and the relationships I develop within the Rochester family.”

A history of impact

Burger has been a longstanding supporter of the University, contributing significantly to enhance the student experience, making gifts that complement and amplify one another. For instance, her $1,250,000 gift two years ago doubled the number of students receiving the Barbara J. Burger Endowed Scholarships in the Sciences. It also provided funds for iZone to support staff and student professional development, technology, and student-centered programs. Additionally, her 2022 gift launched a five-year summer intern program within the University’s River Campus Libraries, offering 22 students hands-on experience in areas like publishing, event programming, marketing, and curriculum design, all under the mentorship of library staff.

Burger’s significant influence as a University philanthropist began in 2006, when she, along with other chemistry alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, established an endowed professorship in honor of Professor Emeritus Andrew S. Kende. A few years later, she became the lead funder to a second professorship named for a mentor and key figure in her life, Professor Emeritus Richard S. Eisenberg. Over the years, Burger has also generously given to the Department of Athletics and Recreation. This includes significant support for the Timothy G. Hale Endowment for Competitive Excellence in athletics, a fund that benefits the University’s cross country and track and field programs. As an undergraduate, Burger participated in both sports as well as on the field hockey team.

“Barbara’s deep interest in student success and in providing opportunities for learners to flourish in and out of the classroom is a testament to her commitment to academic excellence,” adds Nicole Sampson, University provost. “She is completely dedicated to creating experiences and opportunities that advance discovery and innovations across many fields, and to inspiring meaningful outcomes for students, faculty, staff, and the entire University community. Her focused and far-reaching support is truly inspiring.”

A distinguished career

Barbara J. Burger is a Chevron “graduate” where she finished as the vice president of innovation and president of Chevron Technology Ventures. During her career, she held leadership positions across the company’s businesses as well as a wide range of civic and industry organizations.

Today, Burger remains focused on the challenges in energy transition, equity, and access to education. She has built an advisory and director portfolio with firms including Bloom Energy, Heliogen, Milestone Environmental Services, Emerald Technology Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, Marunouchi Innovation Partners, Syzygy Plasmonics, and Epicore Biosystems. She also proudly serves as the board president of the Houston Symphony.

Burger is an alumna of the University of Rochester, where she serves on the Board of Trustees and chairs the University Libraries National Council. In addition to establishing the Barbara J. Burger Endowed Scholarship in the Sciences and the Barbara J. Burger iZone at the University of Rochester, she supports graduate women in chemistry who will pursue careers beyond academia and serves on the Resnick Sustainability Institute Strategic Advisory Board at Caltech. She holds a bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of Rochester, a PhD in chemistry from Caltech, and an MBA from UC Berkeley.