Northwestern University has received an $11.8 million donation from alumna Roberta “Bertie” Buffett Elliott to enhance undergraduate global education. The gift will support student learning opportunities through the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and expand the curriculum of the International Studies Program within Weinberg College Center for International and Area Studies. In recognition of this contribution, Northwestern has renamed the program the Roberta Buffett International Studies Program.
“Northwestern has a unique opportunity to set the national standard for innovation in undergraduate global education — a goal defined not only by academic excellence but also by immersive, experiential learning,” said Northwestern Interim President and President Emeritus Henry S. Bienen. “Bertie Buffett Elliott’s landmark gift in 2015 to establish the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs transformed global learning and research at the University and laid a strong foundation for future growth. We are deeply grateful for her continued generosity to our students and to Northwestern’s bold vision for global education.”
The Roberta Buffett Institute was created ten years ago with a $101 million donation from Elliott. It brings together researchers from different fields to address major global issues such as conflict resolution and climate change, while hosting events open to both the university community and the public.
The institute acts as a central resource where undergraduates from all disciplines can access international experiences related to their studies. During the 2024-25 academic year, more than 1,000 students participated in programs offered by the institute.
Elliott’s new gift aims to build on these efforts by providing more ways for students to connect with international scholars and coursework that prepare them for careers with a global focus.
“The connection between academic study and real-world application is central to the Roberta Buffett Institute’s programs for students,” said Deborah Cohen, director of the Roberta Buffett Institute and professor at Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. “The post-baccalaureate program we launched this year offers new Northwestern graduates the chance for a first job internationally in fields such as global health, human rights, international development and the arts. These are transformative programs for our students, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to expand them.”
The donation will also strengthen collaboration between the institute and its newly named international studies program, which provides both major and minor options with coursework across multiple disciplines including economics, history, political science, and anthropology.
As part of its expansion, courses taught by Practitioners in Residence—experts such as policymakers, diplomats, economists, journalists, or other leaders—will be added. These visiting instructors teach advanced seminars where students work on real-world projects covering topics like disinformation, artificial intelligence, warfare, or global arts.
“Weinberg College has enjoyed a strong relationship with the Roberta Buffett Institute since its inception,” said Weinberg College Dean Adrian Randolph. “I am excited to further fortify that partnership through our curriculum for the benefit of all students at Northwestern.”
In 2026-27, plans call for relocating the institute into renovated space in what was formerly known as Jacobs Center on Evanston campus; it will share proximity with related programs focused on international studies and global health.
“I am passionate about creating international and multidisciplinary learning opportunities for Northwestern students,” Elliott said. “Addressing global issues through research and teaching is critical to the future of the University and the world.”
Elliott graduated from Weinberg College in 1954 with honors in history. She participated actively in campus organizations including The Daily Northwestern staff, Women’s Debate Team, Waa-Mu Show production group, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority; she co-chaired her class reunion committee in 2004; currently serves as honorary chair of her namesake institute's advisory board; received Northwestern Alumni Medal in 2023—the top award given by alumni association.
Beyond her involvement at Northwestern University, Elliott co-founded Berkshire Foundation with her daughters in 1996; served on boards of several cultural organizations including Monterey Bay Aquarium and Oregon Shakespeare Festival; was president of Junior League of Monterey County.