David A. Duffield’s generous contributions to Cornell University are making headlines. With a total of over $520 million pledged, including $371.5 million just recently, he is setting a new record as the university’s largest single donor. This latest pledge is part of his ongoing commitment and brings his total support to a staggering $550 million.
“I want to help advance research and innovation at Cornell,” Duffield said. His relationship with the university runs deep—he appreciates the leadership and creativity shown by fellow Cornell alumni.
Duffield’s career spans more than six decades, marked by his role in founding six software companies. Notably, he established Workday and PeopleSoft, both of which reached IPOs valued over $1 billion. His latest gift caps Cornell’s capital campaign and shows his dedication to fostering excellence within the university.
President Michael I. Kotlikoff praised Duffield, highlighting the lasting impact his donations would have on future generations of students at the College of Engineering. Over the years, Duffield has supported various programs, including the well-known Duffield Hall, which houses advanced research facilities.
The college plans to expand and update Duffield Hall, funded entirely by his recent $100 million commitment. This project aims to enhance its role in education and research, particularly in fields like quantum engineering and artificial intelligence.
Duffield’s most recent gift establishes a $250 million endowment fund to support long-term initiatives at the college. An additional $50 million will be allocated to critical educational priorities, while the Duffield Launch Fund will enable targeted investments in the college’s infrastructure and research efforts.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Duffield credits mentors from Cornell, particularly in the fields of operations research and computer science, for guiding him. He also attributes his desire to give back to his parents, who emphasized the importance of education despite not having college degrees themselves.
Moreover, Duffield is passionate about community service. He and his wife, Cheryl, support military veterans and animal welfare. Their philanthropy extends to the College of Veterinary Medicine, where they have funded several programs aimed at animal behavior and care for veterans.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Duffield received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the engineering college in 2018, among other honors.
In summary, David A. Duffield’s contributions are shaping the future of education and research at Cornell. Through his philanthropic efforts, he aims to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators.
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