Marlan and Rosemary Bourns
The Bourns College of Engineering is named in honor of Marlan and Rosemary Bourns, founders of Bourns, Inc., an international electronics corporation. In recognition of a generous gift from the Bourns Foundation in 1994, the College was named in honor of the couple who have brought us closer to our vision of becoming a nationally recognized leader in engineering research and education.
The Bourns couple had their entrepreneurial beginnings in 1947 with a vision of providing electronic solutions to industrial issues. Beginning with the invention of the first miniature linear motion and vane position potentiometers, the couple then found their business becoming a global corporation. They now continue to expand their company to international horizons through technological innovation.
With their international headquarters located just down the street from UCR, the Bourns have established a close relationship with the University. The couple’s son, Gordon, now leads Bourns, Inc. as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He also sits on the College's Council of Advisors, currently serving as Chair.
The Bourns family continues to foster the company’s relationship with UCR as an enduring recognition of their parents’ involvement with the community and success in industry. The company is the annual sponsor of Bourns Science and Engineering Day, a program designed to heighten high school student interest in engineering through a variety of hands-on activities. Bourns, Inc. also provides a home to the College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT). Moreover, the Bourns make frequent trips to the College visiting department labs and offices and reviewing plans for the future.