Fordham University just received a historic $100 million donation, the largest in its history. This incredible gift comes from Maurice (Mo) and Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe, both proud alumni of the university.
This donation will greatly enhance Fordham’s STEM programs, funding the creation of a new 200,000 square-foot science building and expanding STEM degree offerings.
Fordham’s President, Tania Tetlow, shared her excitement, explaining how this gift aligns with the university’s vision for advancing science and technology. She mentioned the Jesuits’ legacy of connecting science with the pursuit of what it means to be human, highlighting Fordham’s goal of integrating these fields with ethics and the humanities.
Provost Dennis Jacobs added that the new gift not only opens up opportunities for current students and faculty but also allows for the development of future scientific fields that we can’t even imagine yet.
The new science facility will include various STEM disciplines, featuring wet and dry labs, research areas, classrooms, and student lounges, all set against a beautiful green space. It will be located on Southern Blvd., near the Rose Hill campus and the New York Botanical Garden.
Beyond the new building, Fordham plans to enhance its computer science programs at its Lincoln Center campus and increase enrollment for both graduate and undergraduate programs. They are also introducing a new Master’s program in physician associate studies at the Westchester campus.
The Cunniffes have a strong history of supporting Fordham. In 2016, they contributed $20 million to set up the Maurice and Carolyn Cunniffe Presidential Scholars Program, which at the time was the second-largest gift ever made to the university.
Mo Cunniffe graduated with a physics degree and further studied economics and finance at NYU. He built a successful career as a scientist, consultant, and entrepreneur. He has held leadership roles in various companies, including Vista Capital Corporation and American Optical Corporation. He also served on Fordham’s Board of Trustees for nearly two decades and is now a trustee emeritus.
Mo believes that this donation will help Fordham attract top students and faculty, especially in the rapidly changing fields of AI and computer science. “These are the people who will change the world for future generations,” he remarked.
Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe pursued her education at the Sorbonne and the University of Perugia, later completing her degrees at Fordham in French literature. She has held executive positions at major companies like Revlon and Chanel Inc. and has also served on Fordham’s Board as a trustee emerita.
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