ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A Big Red alum is stepping up to support the Ivy League institution.
On January 22, university officials announced that $520 million of contributions from David Duffield will establish the David A. Duffield College of Engineering at Cornell.
The software CEO’s latest pledge of $371.5 million is the largest single gift in school history. Combined with $100 million given last year for expansion at his namesake Duffield Hall and other gifts, Duffield’s cumulative donations total $550 million, making him one of the university’s all-time leading donors.
“I welcome the opportunity to help advance technological research, innovation, and leadership at Cornell,” said Duffield. “I’ve worked closely with many Cornellians over the years, and they consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It’s a privilege to give back to my alma mater in ways that strengthen the university’s commitment to excellence.”
The most recent gift will primarily consist of endowments, including a $250 million Duffield Legacy Fund that will assist the college in perpetuity, as well as an additional $50 million for identified key priorities related to academic excellence. The remainder will be used to create the Duffield Launch Fund, which will target investments that help address physical infrastructure and strengthen research facilities.
Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, previously funded the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program and the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Read more from the Cornell Chronicle here.
