Paul Burgett

The memorial honors one of the University community’s most recognized citizens. Paul Burgett ’68E, ’76E (PhD) was a musician, scholar, teacher, and leader for over half a century.

Lee Koonce ’96E (MM), president and artistic director of the Gateways Music Festival, delivers remarks at a memorial service for University Vice President Emeritus and University Dean Emeritus Paul Burgett ’68E, ’76E (PhD) yesterday afternoon. Burgett championed the festival, a multiday series of concerts, performances, and other events designed to provide classical musicians of African descent a performance showcase of their own. (University photo by J. Adam Fenster)

“No person in the worldwide University of Rochester community is more beloved than Paul Burgett. No brief statement—actually, not even a lengthy obituary—could capture the full extent of Paul’s profound contributions to this university,” says President Richard Feldman in his tribute to Paul Burgett ’68E, ’76E (PhD), who died on Wednesday, Aug. 22. A musician, scholar, teacher, and University leader for more than half a century, Burgett is being affectionately remembered for his longstanding commitment to the University community, the city of Rochester and beyond.

Established in 2013 and named for the vice president and senior advisor to the president, the Burgett Center promotes cultural awareness and engagement, and educates on issues of identity, culture, and diversity.

University Dean Paul Burgett leads the incoming class of 2019 in their first performance of the alma mater, "The Genesee," joined by members of the University's a cappella ensembles, President Seligman, and other campus leaders.

The Intercultural Center has been named to honor alumnus, dean, and University leader Paul J. Burgett. Earlier this month, the Board of Trustees paid tribute to Burgett ’68E, ’72E (MA), ’76E (PhD), by naming the center on the occasion of his 50th year at the University.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, two popular experts on University of Rochester history—Paul Burgett, vice president and senior advisor to the president and Melissa Mead, University archivist—will highlight some its most significant milestones and retell some of its best stories.