TU announces PANDORA President Scott Burger as commencement speaker

March 30, 2017

PANDORA is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of affordable hand-finished, modern jewelry made from genuine materials. Burger oversees all aspects of the business for the company’s largest market, which accounts for approximately 35 percent of global sales. 

Since becoming president in 2012, Burger has brought focus to three key areas—strategy, talent and operational excellence—with the goal to guide PANDORA’s evolution from an entrepreneurial organization to a major global player in fashion and retail. 

Burger has contributed to PANDORA America’s revenue growth from $95 million to more than $1 billion. He previously held multiple roles at PANDORA, including chief operating officer and chief financial officer.

A native Marylander, Burger earned his BS degree in criminal justice from the University of Baltimore and his MBA from Loyola University Maryland. He serves on the boards of the Greater Baltimore Committee, University of Maryland School of Medicine (Board of Visitors), The Center Club of Baltimore, Jewelers for Children, and St. Paul’s School for Girls.

In 2014, Burger moved the Americas corporate office to downtown Baltimore, bringing over 200 employees to the city. Since the relocation, the company has developed several philanthropic partnerships in the surrounding region and encourages its employees to volunteer in the community through a newly launched employee volunteer program.

PANDORA sponsors the Baltimore Inner Harbor Ice Rink, partners with Cristo Rey Jesuit School to employ student interns, and is the national jewelry sponsor for Dress for Success, an organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence. 

PANDORA previously pledged a percent of proceeds donation on select items to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“I am particularly honored to address the future leaders of our community and the graduates of the institution that, I am proud to say, has educated both of my parents and my beautiful wife,” Burger said.

The CBE ceremony this spring marks the first time a prominent speaker from outside of the university community will provide a keynote speech during the ceremony. Every spring, the ceremony with this notable speaker will be designated as the University Commencement.

Although one ceremony will carry this designation, all ceremonies are equally significant and will feature remarks from undergraduate and graduate speakers, as well as university leaders and dignitaries.

“We’re excited and honored to have such a successful corporate leader and homegrown businessman address our spring graduates. We’re also proud to be the first college to kick off this new TU tradition,” said Shohreh Kaynama, dean of the College of Business and Economics.

The University Commencement designation will rotate annually among TU’s six academic colleges. According to Assistant Provost Bethany M. Pace, President Kim Schatzel initiated the new format in consultation with Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Timothy J. L. Chandler.

“Deans will lead the commencement speaker selection process in their respective colleges with input from governing structures within the colleges and members of their unique academic communities," Pace explained. “A college's dean will then submit a speaker recommendation to the provost and president for review and confirmation.

“The purpose of the University Commencement speaker is to provide the college’s faculty and graduates with an opportunity to hear from an accomplished scholar or figure in a related academic discipline,” she added.