Professor Emeritus Dorothy Burnham Celebrates 110th Birthday

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — March 28, 2025) Dorothy Burnham, a long-time member of the Empire State University faculty, turned 110 on March 23, 2025.

Burnham is described by colleagues as “a living testament to a life filled with purpose, service, and an unwavering commitment to education, science, and social justice.”

“Dorothy Burnham is more than an emeritus professor at SUNY Empire State University—she is a trailblazer, a mentor, and an inspiration to generations of students and scholars,” said David Fullard, Ph.D., visiting associate professor at SUNY Empire.

Burnham was born in Brooklyn in 1915, and attended the prestigious Girls’ High School, the same school later attended by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Burnham graduated from Brooklyn College in 1936 with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. While there, she met her future husband, Louis Burnham, and they eventually had four children.

In 1977, Dorothy joined the faculty at SUNY Empire, beginning her nearly four-decades long tenure with the institution. While at SUNY Empire, Burnham taught biological sciences and helped shape the minds of future scientists, encouraging them to push boundaries and break barriers. Beyond the classroom, she was a researcher at the prestigious Sloan Memorial Cancer Center in New York City, where she contributed to critical advancements in the medical field.

Burnham is also a lifelong civil rights activist, a fearless advocate for justice, and a shining example of perseverance in the face of adversity.

“It is an honor to call Dorothy Burnham a friend and colleague,” Fullard said. “Her life’s work, wisdom, and boundless energy serve as an inspiration to us all. Let us take a moment to celebrate her extraordinary journey, honor her countless contributions, and wish her continued joy, health, and happiness.

“Happy 110th birthday, Professor Burnham! May your legacy continue to inspire future generations!”