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.

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 for bringing us closer to our vision of becoming a nationally recognized leader in engineering research and education.

Bourns, Inc. began 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 soon found their business becoming a global corporation. International expansion still continues through technological innovation.

With the company's international headquarters located just down the street from the college, Marlan and Rosemary Bourns established a close relationship with the university. Their son, Gordon, now leads the company as chairman and chief executive. He also serves as chair of the college's Council of Advisors.

Sadly, Rosemary and Marlan Bourns passed away within the past few years (2012, and 2014, respectively) but 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. Bourns, Inc. continues to be involved with STEM outreach and sponsors Bourns Engineering Day, a program designed to heighten children's interest in engineering through a variety of fun hands-on activities. Bourns, Inc. also provides a home to the College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT).

The Bourns Foundation provides for students through an endowed scholarship fund, and supports the ongoing operations of the college through an endowed fund. In 2014, the Bourns Foundation agreed to establish the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns Presidential Chair in Engineering, an endowed fund that is matched by the UC Office of the President to support outstanding faculty and their graduate students. If you would like to contribute to the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns Presidential Chair, you can make a gift now.