Rachael Honig, vice president and chief university compliance officer at Rutgers University, has been named senior vice president and general counsel. President Sarah Mangelsdorf announced Honig’s appointment, which is effective August 1 and follows a national search.

“I’m delighted to have Rachael join the University,” said Mangelsdorf. “Her background at a large, multifaceted research institution, combined with her extensive experience in the US Attorney’s Office and her strong grasp of the legal and regulatory environment in higher education and health care, will immediately bring great value to our institution.

“On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team, we look forward to her leadership and the meaningful impact she will make across our University community.”

University general counsel has oversight for all institutional legal matters, inclusive of the , and leads the attorneys and day-to-day operations of the University’s Office of Counsel. A member of the University’s senior leadership team, the senior vice president and general counsel is the key legal advisor to the president, board of trustees, and leadership throughout the University.

At Rutgers—New Jersey’s flagship public university with an academic medical center—Honig provides leadership and counsel to the president and senior management, as well as the boards of Governors and Trustees on all legal compliance matters.

Her legal experience in higher education and health care includes expertise in the areas of Title IX, ADA, human resources, policy development and compliance, enterprise risk management, and internal audit. She additionally navigates complex legal and regulatory challenges within research enterprises, including compliance, intellectual property management, and collaborative partnerships across academic and industry settings.

Honig oversees Rutgers’ University Ethics & Compliance and Audit & Advisory Services, ensuring compliance by the university and its employees with respect to relevant federal, state, and international statutes and regulations, codes, and mandates, as well as university policies and protocols, including those pertaining to ethical codes and standards.

In 2021, she served as the Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey—only the second woman to hold that position in the office’s more than 200-year history, and the first in more than 20 years. She also worked in the US Attorney’s Office from 2018 to 2022 as the First Assistant US Attorney and from 2003 to 2016 as an Assistant US Attorney, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division (2010–13), and Counsel to the US Attorney (2013–16). From 2016 to 2018, she worked as a litigation and investigations attorney at a biopharmaceutical company.

After graduating from the University of Chicago Law School, Honig was a judicial law clerk for the Hon. Mary M. Schroeder of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and a litigation associate at a law firm in Washington, DC. She is a member of the National Association of College & University Attorneys, and the Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics.

“I am excited to join an institution of the extraordinary caliber of the URochester, as well as a legal team with an already excellent reputation for dedication, collaboration, knowledge and expertise,” says Honig. “I am grateful to President Mangelsdorf, her senior leadership team, the search committee, and the many other medical center and academic partners who were part of the search, for placing their trust in me. I look forward to working with all members of the University community to build on those strengths, always striving to be ever better.”

Honig succeeds Donna Gooden Payne, who in October announced her retirement effective at the end of July.

The Ģ����ý Board of Trustees has approved the undergraduate tuition rates, housing and food fees, and financial aid for the 2026–27 academic year for the (SAS), , , and . Tuition for undergraduates will increase by 3.9 percent to $71,750. Housing and food will increase 4.2 percent to $21,326.

Ģ����ý meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all undergraduate students who earn admission into SAS, Simon, and Hajim, while at the same time awarding a robust merit scholarship program that recognizes academic achievement regardless of financial need —one of the very few US private institutions committed to this level of accessibility. This year, $150 million is dedicated to the University’s commitment to affordability through merit- and need-based programs.

At the Eastman School of Music, $23 million is made available for both merit and need-based grants and scholarships to support undergraduate students.

Each year, the Board of Trustees is presented with a proposal for determining the annual tuition rates based on a careful evaluation of available revenue sources, projected operating costs and efficiencies, and the expected number of enrolled students. Tuition supports Ģ����ý’s work to provide students with the best educational experiences with a wide range of programs, services, and facilities that benefit all students.

Rochester’s ongoing commitment to access and affordability

Launched this past fall, the UR Essentials program eliminates the added expense of textbooks and select course materials by incorporating the cost into the full-time undergraduate tuition rate. The program also streamlines the student experience by ensuring all required course materials are delivered to students before classes begin.

Ģ����ý is nationally recognized for delivering outstanding value, with robust financial aid programs that earned the University a . Less than 40 percent of all undergraduates take out any form of federal loan by graduation. The average total federal loan debt among those in the Class of 2025 who did borrow was $17,677.

Approved tuition rates at the University’s schools

Undergraduate students and families can view the University’s costs, financial aid, and other institutional figures on the University’s Office of Financial Aid site. The Board-approved 2026–27 tuition rates for the University’s undergraduate and graduate programs will soon be available online at the Office of the Bursar’s website.

The Ģ����ý has again earned the�� from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, recognizing the University’s institutional commitment and excellence in community engagement. Ģ����ý first received this national distinction in 2020.

The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement is the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in US higher education. To receive the 2026 classification, Ģ����ý demonstrated excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement and community-engaged learning.

“I am extremely proud of the work we are doing to deepen engagement with the city of Rochester and within our region to improve the well-being and upward mobility of individuals and address urgent and persistent challenges in our community,” says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “There is much to celebrate, and it is heartening to receive this community-building distinction. In the spirit of Meliora, I am confident that we will grow even more in our efforts to improve lives with our programs and partnerships.”

As a leading research institution with expertise in health care, education, the arts, and public health, among other areas, Ģ����ý faculty, staff, and students are partnering with local agencies and organizations to alleviate urgent community needs, enrich lives through arts and music, and develop new initiatives that are improving our region and the city of Rochester in many ways. The community also enriches the lives of University students by providing real-word environments and lived expertise to enhance the educational experiences. As represented in the , the University’s increased attention and focus on community partnerships has supported a more systematic approach to these initiatives.

New and noteworthy

In July 2023, Mangelsdorf appointed Shaun Nelms as vice president for community partnerships, a recommendation that emerged from the 2019 Carnegie application to deepen the University’s local and national engagement. Nelms is a respected leader in the Rochester community who is recognized for directing the transformation of East High School as its superintendent through the Educational Partnership Organization. Today, Nelms leads Ģ����ý’s efforts in community-based research, strategic partnerships, and urban education initiatives, as well as helps connect the various departments and centers that play a pivotal role in engaging the communities beyond campus. In fall 2023, he launched the health and wellness program “,” a collaboration between Ģ����ý and WDKX Radio. On the program, Nelms and his guests delve into an array of health topics, with each episode offering guidance on community health questions and connections to local resources.

Also noteworthy since the University’s last Carnegie application: The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) was rebranded from its former name, the Rochester Center for Community Leadership. This change reflects its redefined focus on fostering collaborative leadership among students, faculty, staff, and community partners to discover transformative solutions and create equitable social change in the Rochester community and beyond.

Among its community engagement efforts, CCE today offers course development grants to help faculty members design and implement classes taught in partnership with non-academic community organizations. These grants provide up to $10,000 to support faculty and their departments in designing a new community-engaged course or redesigning an existing course for undergraduate students. Since 2020, the center has awarded eight course development grants and convenes grant recipients regularly to form a community of practice to support them in their work.

Improving lives through community partnerships

One University community partnership that has been created since the last Carnegie designation is the UR Medicine Food Pantry. In collaboration with local partner Foodlink, the health and wellness program was successfully piloted in 2021 to address food insecurity by providing emergency food assistance to UR Medicine patients, starting with those at Strong Memorial Hospital.��Patients are screened for markers of food insecurity during their hospital visit, and those in need receive bags of nutritious, shelf-stable foods intended to support them and their families for three days. Social workers, who follow up with the patients after their visit, can then refer them to additional resources and services provided by Foodlink and other community organizations. Over the last three years, UR Medicine Food Pantry has expanded its reach to two affiliate hospitals and nine high-need outpatient clinics. Since the program’s launch in May 2021, it has provided a critical food supply to patients and their households more than 3,000 times.

One established community model that is going into its 30th year is the . Offered through the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), the program provides tuition-free access to music education and instrument instruction to talented, economically challenged Rochester City School District students. In addition to giving RCSD students expert attention, Eastman Pathways also provides the opportunity for ECMS faculty (including Eastman School graduate students who serve as interns) to gain skills necessary for teaching students in an urban setting.

Overall, Ģ����ý is one of only 277 institutions nationwide to meet the strict criteria for the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. This classification is valid until 2032. According to the recently released Economic Engine and Community Catalyst report, the University invests nearly $535,000 annually in local partners to support economic, workforce, and community-building activities, as well as more than $2 million in community health improvement services. Such investments exemplify how the University leverages its position as a major employer and healthcare provider to strengthen the broader community through targeted programs that address housing, economic development, and public health initiatives.

The , , and its affiliates stand as transformative economic forces in the City of Rochester, Monroe County, the Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions, according to a newly commissioned report.

The report, , analyzed FY24 data to quantify Ģ����ý’s annualized economic footprint—both through its operations and academic activities, and its extensive health system—and illustrates how the institution leads the way in driving prosperity, innovation, and opportunity in the region and state. Beyond direct economic measures, the report also demonstrates Ģ����ý’s extraordinary commitment to community development through comprehensive initiatives totaling more than $660 million in community benefits in the past year.

With more than 39,000 employees, URochester, combined with UR Medicine and affiliates, represents the largest private employer in the Greater Rochester and upstate New York regions, making the institution an epicenter of regional economic stability and growth. This impact extends far beyond direct employment, creating ripple effects that strengthen the entire economic ecosystem.

Among the report’s economic highlights:

• Ģ����ý directly supports 32,200 jobs in the city of Rochester, or 1 in every 14 jobs. Statewide, the institution directly and indirectly supports an estimated 66,700 jobs, or 1 in every 126 jobs in New York.
• A total statewide impact of $13 billion and nationwide estimated impact of almost $18 billion.
• $322 million in income, sales, and business taxes paid by URochester.
• A research enterprise that has an almost $1 billion ($952 million) positive impact on New York State.
• Capital investments that result in $608 million annual impact statewide. In the City of Rochester, Ģ����ý’s capital projects generate $312 million in total economic impact, supporting over 1,700 full-time jobs with $126 million in employee compensation.
• $92 million regional impact from student, patient, and visitor spending, and $197 million statewide impact.
• $79 million alumni impact in the city of Rochester, and $785 million alumni impact in New York state.

As a comprehensive health system, UR Medicine stands as the safety-net provider and most specialized academic healthcare system in upstate New York with more than 5 million outpatient visits, 300,000 emergency room visits, and 74,000 hospital admissions annually across its eight hospitals, seven nursing homes, and numerous clinical locations. Serving more than 27 counties, UR Medicine combines compassionate clinical care, educational excellence, and innovative research while addressing critical community needs in one of the nation’s most economically challenged regions.

Regional economic leadership

Ģ����ý’s contributions to regional competitiveness extend across multiple dimensions, from groundbreaking research that positions the region as a global leader in key technologies to comprehensive workforce development programs that ensure regional employers have access to skilled talent. Through nearly half a billion dollars in annual research funding, world-class facilities like the , and strategic partnerships with industry leaders, the University serves as a catalyst for regional economic transformation.

The University’s research enterprise creates new knowledge and technologies with commercial potential while training the next generation of researchers and innovators. Academic programs aligned with regional economic priorities ensure graduates possess skills needed for emerging industries, while comprehensive internship and experiential learning programs connect students with regional employers and create talent pipelines supporting business growth.

Ģ����ý’s regional economic development ecosystem includes affiliate , which serves as an innovation catalyst, fostering entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and manufacturing growth in the region. NextCorps was the anchor of Sibley Square’s $200 million renovation downtown and the city’s Downtown Innovation Zone. Currently, NextCorps works with more than 100 local companies annually and is home to , the world’s only accelerator and investor fund for startups with optics, photonics, and imaging-enabled technologies.

Healthcare leadership

UR Medicine operates as the largest health system in upstate New York, providing comprehensive medical services that extend far beyond the Rochester metropolitan area. The health system’s hospitals serve as anchor employers throughout their respective regions. This employment base provides stable, well-paying jobs in areas where such opportunities are often limited.

UR Medicine’s commitment to community health extends through substantial charity care programs (free healthcare for uninsured patients), ensuring that essential healthcare services remain accessible to underserved populations. This dual role as both major employer and healthcare safety net demonstrates how UR Medicine functions as a critical economic and social stabilizer throughout upstate New York’s communities. This substantial investment includes $308 million in uncompensated medical costs and charity care; almost $170 million in subsidized health services, including low- or no-cost prescription drugs, and pediatric, mental and behavioral health, and obstetrics services; and more than $175 million in health professional workforce development. These programs and services directly address critical community needs while ensuring healthcare access for underserved populations throughout the region.

Research enterprise

The University’s research enterprise represents a critical economic asset for both the region and state. With an annual research budget of $488 million, approximately 96 percent of which comes from sources outside the city and state, the University functions as a powerful economic engine that brings external capital into Rochester and New York State. This external funding—almost all of which would not otherwise flow into Rochester and New York State—demonstrates the University’s unique ability to attract national resources and talent to benefit local communities.

Ģ����ý’s position as a Tier 1 research university is supported by an extraordinary array of world-class research facilities, scientists, and technologies that empower bold ideas and drive breakthrough discoveries. With more than 3,000 researchers and 500 laboratories dedicated to scientific research, the University creates an innovation ecosystem where students, faculty, and staff conduct some of the highest volume of research activity in the United States. This extensive research infrastructure serves not only internal discovery needs but also provides critical resources for regional industry partnerships and economic development initiatives, such as the , the New York State Center of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and key public-private partnerships like , the NY SMART I-Corridor Semiconductor Tech Hub, and efforts to establish the region as a national leader in laser technologies, education, company creation, manufacturing, and workforce development.

Commitment to community

The University’s engagement with the City of Rochester and local communities demonstrates the transformative power of anchor institutions that fully embrace their role as catalysts for community prosperity and enrichment. The University invests almost $535,000 annually in local partners to support economic, workforce, and community-building activities, and more than $2 million in community health improvement services. Such investments exemplify how the University leverages its position as a major employer and healthcare provider to strengthen the broader community through targeted programs that address housing, economic development, and public health initiatives.

The University offers extensive arts and cultural programming open to regional residents, including performances, exhibitions, and artistic events that would otherwise be inaccessible in a mid-sized metropolitan area:

• The offers concerts, recitals, and educational programs that provide community members with access to world-class musical performances and education. The University and Eastman are also longtime supporters of the Rochester International Jazz Festival and the Rochester Fringe Festival.
• The —the region’s largest art museum—enriches the cultural landscape through its collection of over 12,000 objects and year-round programming of exhibitions, lectures, concerts, tours, and family activities on its 14-acre campus. Free school tours, transportation of students to the museum, and free memberships for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cardholders are some of the ways that MAG removes the financial barriers to visiting the museum.
• Athletic facilities and youth development programs create additional pathways for community engagement, providing recreational opportunities and structured programming that supports healthy youth development throughout the region.

Substantial tax revenue generation

As a tax-exempt, nonprofit institution, Ģ����ý generates significant tax revenues for the state government through its economic activities. The consolidated entity generates approximately $322 million annually in tax revenues for the State of New York. This contribution of income, sales, and business taxes demonstrates how the University’s presence directly supports essential services and infrastructure that benefit all residents.

Voices of Ģ����ý and community leaders

University President Sarah Mangelsdorf: “We are unwavering in our commitment to strengthening and enriching the Greater Rochester community. By delivering the very best healthcare, driving research-based innovation, and celebrating musical and cultural vibrance, we enhance the lives of Rochesterians and people throughout upstate New York. As the largest employer in the region, we are proud to work with our area partners to actively shape a more vibrant, resilient, and thriving community in which all can live, work, and flourish.”

David Linehan, CEO of the Medical Center, dean of the School of Medicine & Dentistry, and senior vice president for health sciences at the University: “No strategy to improve community health is more important than helping people obtain good-paying jobs with paths to career advancement. The data in this report demonstrate our health system’s commitment to workforce development in all the communities we serve, which is our responsibility both as the region’s largest employer and health provider.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello: “As Monroe County’s largest private employer and leading driver of economic growth, the Ģ����ý and UR Medicine is an indispensable cornerstone institution of our region.�� Their expansive missions in healthcare, education, and research not only create a robust economic ecosystem but also enrich our community’s quality of life, making the University a truly transformative force. I am grateful for their leadership and partnership in moving our community forward.”

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans: “Beyond its role as our largest employer, the Ģ����ý’s commitment to excellence in education and research drives billions of dollars in investments that serve as magnets of talent, innovation, and job creation, and shape our city’s social and cultural landscape. We are truly fortunate to count the University and its affiliates as a central building block for Rochester’s future.”

Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE): “The Ģ����ý’s influential role as the Greater Rochester, New York, region’s largest employer is felt in numerous ways across the community as an invaluable resource for educating a highly skilled workforce, a world-class R&D hub, and an exceptional healthcare provider. As a stalwart, longstanding partner, the Ģ����ý is crucial to Greater Rochester Enterprise’s efforts to attract and nurture business growth and spur innovation. Together, the Ģ����ý and Greater Rochester Enterprise have collaborated on numerous initiatives, most recently leading efforts to solidify Rochester’s position as a top contender for an NSF grant that will further enhance Rochester’s world-renowned expertise in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies.”

Bob Duffy, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber: “The Ģ����ý’s economic impact within our Greater Rochester community is unmatched. Including the University and its Medical Centers, their outstanding commitment to the region, its residents, and its economy make for a more vibrant and connected community. Ģ����ý provides tens of thousands of individuals in our region with meaningful careers, economic mobility, and the ability to invest back in our community. Through their role as a world-class hub for education and medicine alike, the Ģ����ý is an outstanding and transformational asset for all corners of our region from the City of Rochester to its rural surroundings. Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to work alongside to advance our community and economic goals.”

Winter weather is upon us in the Rochester area and the ’s emergency preparedness teams are ready with the plans and tools that will keep our campuses operational and community members informed during snowstorms or severe weather.

It’s important to know that only under extreme weather conditions do University senior officials consider reducing or delaying on-campus operations or canceling activities, provided that essential services can still be maintained. As a National Weather Service (NWS) StormReady University, Ģ����ý is well-equipped to deal with snow and ice and, in general, remains in operation and continues with regular activities, classes, and services. University Horticulture and Grounds was recently recognized with Sustainable Winter Management certification for its effective and environment-friendly de-icing techniques.

Regardless of any decision, all Medical Center employees—whether at Elmwood Avenue or any off-site location—are considered essential staff and are required to report even during severe weather, unless notified otherwise (see below for more details).

Here are key points to remember about staying informed during winter at Ģ����ý:

• However infrequent, the decision to curtail some operations and activities will normally be made by 5:30 a.m. on the day of the expected severe weather. To make an informed decision, University senior leaders analyze forecasts and NWS warnings overnight and throughout the day, looking at the severity of current conditions and predictions; expected duration of a storm; road conditions, both on campus and in the region; and how quickly snow and ice can be cleared from University sidewalks and parking lots. Note: According to University policy, only University senior leaders can curtail, cancel, or close operations at the University.
• When a change to University operations is necessary due to severe weather,��, the University’s official emergency notification system, is used to make the first notice. AlertUR sends urgent messages via text, phone call, and email. To receive�� messages, Ģ����ý community members must keep their AlertUR phone and email settings current. Students, faculty, and staff can update their settings .
• All essential University staff members are still expected to report to work during severe weather unless otherwise notified by a supervisor.��Employees should confirm with their supervisor whether their status is essential or non-essential. All Medical Center employees—whether at Elmwood Avenue or any off-site location—are considered essential staff and are required to report even during severe weather, unless notified otherwise. If you are an employee who currently works remotely or hybrid, you should continue to do so during curtailed operations unless otherwise instructed by your manager.
• University Marketing and Communications��is responsible for delivering announcements to students, faculty, and staff as soon as a change to regular University operations is known.��In addition to AlertUR, official weather channels include:
  • University email and UR Mobile app
  • The University homepage (rochester.edu) and Emergency Information page (rochester.edu/emergency)
  • Instagram () and X/Twitter ()
  • Local TV and radio news stations
  • Blackboard (students should check Blackboard for individual class cancellations as determined by an instructor)
• works around the clock to ensure that the University is accessible and safe in the event of a major snow or weather event. However, if an individual feels it’s unsafe to travel to campus, they should notify their professors or supervisor to work out the necessary arrangements for their absence or delay. To report icy and slick spots on the River Campus and at the Medical Center, employees should call the University Facilities Snow Removal Hotline at (585) 275-0000.

This post has been updated and republished with information for the 2025–26 academic year.

Donna Gooden Payne, senior vice president and general counsel at the Ģ����ý, has announced her plans to retire, effective at the end of July 2026.

“I want to thank Donna for her innumerable contributions to the University and being an incredibly important and valued adviser to me and our University leaders,” says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “With thoughtfulness and compassion, she has counseled the institution through many complex issues that require steady and strategic legal guidance. She has supported critical initiatives and has helped ensure that our University’s mission is upheld in the face of numerous challenges to the higher education and health care environments.”

A national search for Payne’s successor will soon be underway. University general counsel has oversight for all institutional legal matters, inclusive of the Medical Center, and leads the attorneys and day-to-day operations of the University’s Office of Counsel. This role is the key legal adviser to the president, Board of Trustees, and leadership throughout the University.

Payne has served in this leadership role since joining the University in 2019, providing the legal expertise that has helped the institution navigate some of the most consequential challenges facing our campuses, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which began within her first year in Rochester. In alignment with the University’s mission and values, she and the team of attorneys she supervises advise on a wide range of legal matters in areas including human resources and labor issues; higher education governance; research, innovation commercialization and institutional intellectual property issues; health care and hospital management; student life and intercollegiate athletics; real estate; international compliance; and overall risk management.

She cochairs numerous University committees, including the University Compliance Committee, University Conflict of Interest Committee, and the AI Council. Payne has also worked on numerous critical reforms to institutional processes and policies, as well as supports University compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Payne is a longtime member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, having served on its board of directors. She served on the board of directors for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and serves currently on the Association of American Universities (AAU) General Counsels Steering Committee.

She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar and holds a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She came to Ģ����ý from East Carolina University where she served as university counsel and vice chancellor for legal affairs. Locally, she volunteers at EquiCenter, the nonprofit therapeutic equestrian center in Honeoye Falls.

The Ģ����ý Board of Trustees elected Chris Boehning ’87, ’88 (MS) as board chair at its September meeting. Boehning begins his term as chair immediately and succeeds Rich Handler ’83, who announced the transition in August after completing his fourth and final term, bringing his service on the University board to 20 years.

Boehning has served as a University trustee since 2017. He is a partner in the litigation department at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York City, representing clients in a wide variety of complex commercial and civil litigation matters, criminal, civil and other regulatory inquiries, and international arbitrations. He is also a driving force behind Paul, Weiss’s sports practice, while maintaining a robust pro bono practice with a particular focus on gun violence prevention. In 2021, he was highlighted as a “Sports, Gaming & Entertainment Trailblazer” by The��National Law Journal, which recognizes sports and entertainment lawyers who have had the greatest impact in these industries. For his dedication to gun violence prevention, he was named a 2022 “Northeast Trailblazer” by��The American Lawyer��in connection with the historic $73 million settlement on behalf of the Sandy Hook families.

A political science major, Boehning was also a standout member of Rochester’s men’s varsity soccer team. In 2017, he provided a leadership gift to establish the within Genesee Hall at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex, reflecting his belief that college athletics are a key component of the undergraduate experience. He also provides ongoing support to Rochester through the George Eastman Circle, the University’s leadership annual giving society. In his time as a University trustee,��he��has led the��Litigation Committee, chaired the Committee on Audit & Risk Assessment, and contributed his time and expertise to many other volunteer roles. Boehning has also chaired both the Arts, Sciences & Engineering National Council and the Athletic Campaign Committee, and is a member of Friends of Rochester Athletics.

In 2012, he received the University’s John N. Wilder Award. Named for John Wilder, the University’s first ever Board chair, the award honors philanthropy that inspires others in support of “Ever Better.” And in 2016, Boehning received University Athletics’ Garnish Memorial Citation.

“Chris has demonstrated his commitment to the University and the board in very meaningful ways by being a key adviser, a dedicated alumnus, and a champion of the student experience,” says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “I very much look forward to continuing to partner with Chris on advancing our key strategic initiatives, especially as we embark upon our comprehensive campaign.”

“I continue to be amazed by the talent, drive, and vision of the Ģ����ý community, which is always innovating,” Boehning says. “It is an honor to serve as the new board chair. We look to the future with deep gratitude for Rich Handler’s strong board leadership that has guided us so well for many years. I hope to build on that legacy with the same integrity, dedication and Meliora spirit to help enable our great university to reach new heights.”

Boehning earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public policy analysis from the Ģ����ý in 1987 and 1988, respectively, and a law degree from Washington University School of Law in 1994.

Gratitude to outgoing chair Rich Handler

Handler, CEO of investment bank Jefferies, completed his fourth and final five-year term as a member of the board at the September meeting. He joined the board in 2005 and served as chair since 2018. He now is board chair emeritus.

In addition to being board leader, he also has served as chair of the Investment Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee over the years. He was cochair of the University’s historic $1.37 billion comprehensive campaign, the , which successfully concluded in 2016. Among his generous philanthropies to the University are the prestigious Alan and Jane Handler Scholarships. Named in honor of Handler’s parents, the scholarships provide in perpetuity complete financial support for exceptional undergraduates who have overcome adversity, demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership potential, and have significant financial need. Rich Handler and his wife, Martha, established the program in 2007 with an ultimate commitment of $25 million, and to date, 173 Handler Scholars have either enrolled or graduated from the University.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics magna cum laude with high distinction from the University in 1983 and his MBA from Stanford University.

“I’m extremely grateful for everything Rich has done for the University,” Mangelsdorf says. “His love for the University is unmatched, and his dedication to student success is remarkable, helping guide our learners with purpose and ensuring that they never lose sight of their potential to grow, thrive, and lead here. ��Rich has made our institution ever better and positioned us very well for the future.”

“It’s been an honor and privilege to serve our great URochester,” Handler says. “I will always be appreciative that I found my way to Rochester in 1979, and I know my heart will never leave our fine institution.”

Geoffrey Berg, the chief investment officer of the South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission (RSIC), has been named Ģ����ý senior vice president and chief investment officer, effective October 1. Berg succeeds Doug Phillips, who will retire on September 30.

As a member of the President’s Senior Leadership Group with the critically important responsibility of managing the University’s permanent sources of funding, Berg will work closely with the Board of Trustees’ Investment Committee and lead a staff of nine in the Investment Office to oversee the University’s investments, which consist of a $3.7 billion long-term pool, nearly $1 billion in operating capital, and $300 million in pension plans.

“Geoff is highly qualified and will undoubtedly continue the success of our investment program, building upon the strong foundation in place,” says President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “His leadership and engagement will be essential to the success of our upcoming capital campaign, as well as our , both of which support our ambitions for the future. He brings a wealth of experience in investment management and a strong track record of strategic leadership in complex financial environments, and I look forward to working with him.”

Berg has served as CIO of RSIC since 2016. He was named chief investment officer after serving for a year in an interim role with the commission, which directs investments of South Carolina’s roughly $50 billion in pension assets. As CIO, Berg has led significant restructuring of the South Carolina Retirement investment program, which improved returns versus both its benchmark and peers. He developed and implemented top-down asset class blueprints to establish clarity and alignment by highlighting the target portfolio, core principles, and key initiatives for each asset class. At the same time, he implemented a decision-based performance analysis framework to attribute the impact of major investment decisions: asset allocation, portfolio structure, and manager selection. He began at RSIC in 2008 and has held several positions of increasing responsibility and investment management leading up to his appointment as CIO.

“I am thrilled to join the URochester. It is an honor to lead the Investment Office and to serve the community,” said Berg. “I am fortunate to inherit a strong foundation established by my predecessor, Doug Phillips. I look forward to working with President Mangelsdorf, the senior leadership team, as well as the Investment Committee.”

Berg received a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgetown University and an MBA in finance from the University of Iowa’s Henry B. Tippie College of Business. He is also a CFA Charterholder.

“I want to welcome Geoff to the University and congratulate him on his appointment,” says University Trustee Naveen Nataraj ’97, who led the national search and who also heads the Board’s Investment Committee. “I’d like to recognize and thank the search committee and the University leaders for selecting a candidate with such impressive experience and credentials. The Investment Committee and I look forward to working with him in the years to come.”

Editor’s note: The story below was initially published on May 11, 2023. It has been updated and republished to reflect the of semifinalists in the second NSF Regional Innovation Engines competition.

The National Science Foundation��Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program—which spans critical technologies and applications—has announced the semifinalists advancing to the next stage of the second competition. Among them is the ’s .

STELLAR is focused on building partnerships to advance laser technologies, education, company creation, manufacturing, and workforce development in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. Investing in these critical areas could help recapture national competitiveness and strengthen US security while growing and sustaining the region’s economy.

NSF is now conducting assessments to select the finalists that will receive awards. In addition to Rochester, New York State is represented by two additional . The agency anticipates announcing the final list of NSF Engines awards in early 2026.

Planning grant leads to semifinalist status

In 2023, NSF awarded the��Ģ����ý��a $1 million����Development Award grant to begin developing the next generation of lasers. Leading the effort is��, the director of the , and��, a professor of optics and a distinguished scientist at the��.

As part of the planning grant, the researchers have brought together a variety of institutional, industrial, and business partners to establish an innovation and economic hub built around laser science and technologies.

“Rochester has a rich history of innovation and education when it comes to optics, photonics, and imaging technology, in large part because of the creative, academic, and research environment at the URochester, RIT, and MCC,” says Brown. “STELLAR promises to continue this legacy by growing an advanced laser and optics ecosystem that will provide educational and economic opportunities for many future generations.”

Laser products are essential in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, communications, inspection, environment sensing, defense, and security systems. But as Brown and Zuegel note, the manufacturing and packaging of lasers are increasingly being carried out overseas. At the same time, there’s a��shortage of skilled workers��in the optics and photonics industry, according to the International Society for Optics and Photonics.

Given the city’s roots in optics and laser technology, Brown and Zuegel believe the Rochester region is well-positioned to help teachers from middle-school through all levels of college develop curricula that will enable students to learn skilled trades in laser systems. As a result, they expect the STELLAR Engine project to help nurture and grow a diverse workforce in the field of laser technology.

Additionally, the project is intended to create a manufacturing ecosystem for lasers. According to Brown and Zuegel, the region already has many of the key elements for such an ecosystem, including research and manufacturing components, laser components, packaging, science and engineering expertise, and related educational institutions.

Finally, the STELLAR Engine project is designed to provide research and development support for growing companies, thanks to the involvement of researchers from regional universities and industry. The ultimate objective of STELLAR is to make the US competitive again globally in this critically important field. If the initial stages of the project are successful, Brown and Zuegel will be able to apply for additional federal funding.

Launched by , the NSF Engines are intended to stimulate innovation-driven economic growth and advance US competitiveness in key technology sectors with priorities given to geographic regions that do not have well-established innovation ecosystems but have strong potential for growth. Rochester has been cited as a possible next-generation��innovation hub��by Jonathan Gruber, a professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Additionally, the Brookings Institute’s ranks Rochester as the fifth leading candidate to become a next-generation growth center. The is also home to the most optics, photonics, and imaging (OPI) patents in the nation and is ranked first per capita, with 95 percent of OPI patent holders still in Rochester.