President to president: Recognizing 50 years of innovation

Xerox Corporation President Ursula M. Burns ’80 was in Washington on July 27, accepting the 2005 National Medal of Technology on behalf of her company. Xerox was recognized by President George W. Bush “for over 50 years of innovation in marking, materials, electronics, communications, and software that created the modern reprographics, digital printing, and print-on-demand industries.”

Burns, who earned her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Poly, became president of the company and a member of its board of directors in April 2007. The promotion caps a 27-year career at Xerox that started with a summer internship. As president, Burns is the company’s second highest-ranking executive, responsible for corporate strategy, human resources, marketing operations, and global accounts. She also retains her previous responsibility for the company’s business group operations, which includes global research, engineering, marketing and manufacturing of Xerox technology, supplies and related services.

The National Medal of Technology is the highest honor awarded by the president of the United States to America’s leading innovators.