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Billionaire Gifts Cornell Half-Billion to Boost Engineering
23 Jan
Summary
- David Duffield pledged $371.5 million to Cornell University.
- This historic gift establishes the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering.
- The donation aims to advance technological research, innovation, and leadership.
Billionaire David Duffield has gifted Cornell University $371.5 million, marking the largest single donation in the institution's history. This significant pledge, made in 2026, follows a $100 million gift from last year to expand Duffield Hall at the engineering college.
Duffield's generosity will establish the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering. The funds will also create endowment funds dedicated to supporting the school's operations, academic programs, and research initiatives.
Duffield, a Cornell alumnus from the class of 1962, expressed his desire to advance technological research, innovation, and leadership at his alma mater. He noted the exceptional qualities of Cornellians he has worked with over the years.
This pledge surpasses a previous $350 million gift from Charles Feeney in 2011, which aided the development of Cornell Tech. As of June 2025, Cornell, located in Ithaca, New York, reported an endowment of nearly $12 billion.
