La Jolla, CA, November 22, 2025
The University of California San Diego has received a $5 million endowed gift from alumnus Robert Koenigsberger and his wife, Dilek, to enhance financial research focusing on retirement security and global investing. The center will be renamed to honor the donors and will expand its capacity to generate research that addresses critical investment strategies. This funding reflects the growing importance of private support in academic research, particularly in the finance sector.
UC San Diego Receives $5M Gift to Boost Financial Research
Funding will enhance research on retirement security and investing
La Jolla, CA – The University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) has announced a significant step forward in financial research with a $5 million endowed gift from alumnus Robert Koenigsberger and his wife, Dilek. This generous contribution aims to enhance research focused on retirement security and global investing. In recognition of this funding, the center will be renamed the Kenneth Kroner ’88, Jennifer Kroner, Robert Koenigsberger ’87, and Dilek Koenigsberger Center for Financial Research, informally known as the Kroner and Koenigsberger Center for Financial Research.
This center, initially established in 2019 as the Pacific Center for Asset Management (PCAM), had previously undergone a name change in 2022 to honor a $5 million contribution from Ken and Jennifer Kroner. Its primary focus is to serve as a research hub that connects substantial asset owners, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, with the academic community. The goal is to enhance financial security for retirees around the globe. This latest endowment will not only ensure the center’s long-term sustainability but also expand its capacity to generate high-quality research addressing vital investment questions.
Continued Commitment to Research Excellence
In expressing gratitude for the Koenigsbergers’ support, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to advancing research aimed at improving financial systems and securing long-term well-being for retirees. The significant funding reflects a broader trend of private support playing a crucial role in strengthening academic research and education, especially in domains that impact the financial security of individuals worldwide.
Leadership and Collaboration
The Kroner and Koenigsberger Center for Financial Research is co-directed by Michael Melvin, the executive director of the Master of Quantitative Finance program at the Rady School, and Graham Elliott, a professor of economics within the School of Social Sciences. Their leadership fosters a collaborative environment where academic researchers and asset owners can work together to tackle issues affecting investment strategies and global retirement systems.
Robert Koenigsberger, having chaired the center’s Industry Advisory Council from its inception, underscored the essential role of the center in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world implementation. This strategic collaboration is designed to address pressing challenges and enhance outcomes for both pensioners and asset owners.
Research and Impact
The center’s mission focuses on producing rigorous, evidence-based research that responds to the real challenges asset owners encounter. Ultimately, it aims to improve the systems that support retirement security worldwide. This aim is particularly important given the increasingly complex landscape of investments and the need for innovative strategies that can adequately support future retirees.
Conclusion
This substantial gift symbolizes the critical role of private investment in advancing academic research and enhancing educational opportunities in finance. As the center embarks on this new chapter, the collaboration between academia and industry holds promise for strengthening the financial systems that impact millions. Readers are encouraged to stay engaged with local initiatives and support efforts that focus on economic growth and entrepreneurship in San Diego County.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Kroner and Koenigsberger Center for Financial Research?
The Kroner and Koenigsberger Center for Financial Research is a unique research hub at UC San Diego that connects major asset owners, such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, with the academic community to improve financial security for retirees worldwide. It conducts research that guides investment strategies and strengthens retirement systems globally.
Who are the donors behind the recent $5 million gift?
The recent $5 million endowed gift was made by UC San Diego alumnus Robert Koenigsberger and his wife, Dilek. Robert Koenigsberger has chaired the center’s Industry Advisory Council since its inception and has been instrumental in supporting the center’s mission.
What is the significance of this donation?
This donation ensures the center’s long-term sustainability and expands its capacity to produce high-quality research addressing critical investing questions. It underscores the importance of private support in advancing academic research and education, particularly in areas critical to the financial well-being of individuals globally.
How does the center collaborate with the academic community?
The center collaborates with asset owners and the academic community to conduct research that guides investment strategies and strengthens retirement systems globally. It serves as a platform where industry and academia can collaborate to address challenges and improve outcomes for pensioners and asset owners.
What is the mission of the center?
The center’s mission is to produce rigorous, evidence-based research that responds to the real challenges asset owners face, aiming to improve systems that support retirement security worldwide.
Key Features of the Kroner and Koenigsberger Center for Financial Research
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishment | Established in 2019 as the Pacific Center for Asset Management (PCAM), renamed in 2022 to honor a previous $5 million gift from Ken and Jennifer Kroner. |
| Mission | Connects major asset owners with the academic community to improve financial security for retirees worldwide. |
| Recent Donation | $5 million endowed gift from Robert and Dilek Koenigsberger to ensure long-term sustainability and expand research capacity. |
| Leadership | Co-directed by Michael Melvin and Graham Elliott, facilitating collaboration between asset owners and the academic community. |
| Research Focus | Conducts research that guides investment strategies and strengthens retirement systems globally. |
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