Madison Reporter

Nearly 70 years after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bjorn Borgen is making a significant contribution to his alma mater. Borgen, who earned his degree in mechanical engineering in 1962 before building a successful investment firm, has donated $25 million to the university’s College of Engineering.

The donation consists of a $5 million endowment for experiential learning within the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a $20 million gift to the Engineering the Future Capital Campaign Fund. The latter will result in Borgen’s name being placed on the active learning wing of the new Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center.

“I want to be part of this new phase of making the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering one of the top public engineering schools in the country and increasing student enrollment,” said Borgen, who now lives in Denver.

The Bjorn Borgen Learning Commons will be located in a new 395,000-square-foot research and teaching facility. The space is designed with interactive classrooms and collaborative areas that feature large windows and mass timber materials.

“I hope that it’s a place where students not only learn in the classroom, but it’s a gathering place and a great place to exchange ideas, make friends and cooperate,” said Borgen.

Borgen moved with his family from Norway to Wisconsin after World War II. He attended Eleva-Strum Central High School before earning a scholarship to UW-Madison. In 2021, he received the College of Engineering’s distinguished achievement award for alumni.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Borgen worked at General Electric and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. He eventually acquired Founders Asset Management and sold it to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation before starting his own investment group and foundation.

“Without the engineering background that I got from the University of Wisconsin, I probably never would have ended up in that kind of a job opportunity,” he said.

Devesh Ranjan, Grainger Dean of the College of Engineering, highlighted Borgen’s impact: “Bjorn Borgen’s journey—from a small town in Wisconsin to global success—is a powerful example of what’s possible with a foundation in engineering and a commitment to excellence. His gift empowers us to create transformative learning experiences that prepare students not just to succeed—but to lead. From their first day on campus, Badger Engineers will benefit from spaces and programs designed to spark creativity, collaboration and real-world problem solving. Bjorn truly embodies the Wisconsin Idea in action, and his legacy will inspire Badger Engineers to dream bigger, reach further and lead boldly for decades to come.”

Borgen’s support has already led to several initiatives within mechanical engineering at UW-Madison. The Borgen Design Fund provides resources for hands-on activities across all academic levels. The department also benefits from facilities like the Borgen ME Design Lab with rapid prototyping equipment such as 3D printers, as well as competitions encouraging entrepreneurial projects among students.

“The Borgen Design Fund is helping us reimagine design education across our curriculum,” said Darryl Thelen, John Bollinger Chair of Mechanical Engineering. “By investing in introductory courses, capstone design and national competition teams, we are equipping Badger Engineers with the skills and confidence to lead in solving real-world challenges.”

In addition to supporting UW-Madison, Borgen has contributed philanthropically toward education, athletics, health care and environmental causes both in the United States and Norway. At UW-Madison specifically, he previously established an endowed professorship currently held by faculty member Christian Franck.

Reflecting on his latest donation—which coincides with his 88th birthday—Borgen stated: “I think this new building is going to make a big impact. It’s going to be important in terms of recruiting top faculty and students to the university. And I think it’ll be a great addition to the University of Wisconsin and the College of Engineering.”

The architectural team behind the new building includes Continuum Architects + Planners S.C., SmithGroup & Ring & DuChateau LLP; Findorff serves as construction firm; GRAEF is structural engineer of record.