SEOBLOGREEN - A massive check just landed at Cornell University. The amount: $371.5 million. It is a staggering number. It is the largest single gift in Cornell's 150-year history.
This money comes from David A. Duffield. He is a billionaire software industry leader. He founded PeopleSoft and Workday. You probably use their software every day. Duffield is a Cornell alumnus. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1962 and an MBA in 1964. His total giving to the university now stands at a stunning $550 million.
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He did not give this money for glory. He gave it for his parents.
The Power of Parental Pride
Duffield's story is rooted in a deep sense of gratitude. His parents, Albert and Mary Duffield, never had the chance to pursue a four-year college degree. But they were determined. They wanted their sons to attend an outstanding university.
They were incredibly proud when David and his younger brother, Al, were admitted to Cornell. His support is a quiet promise kept. It is a "testament to their parenting," he once said. It is a legacy of love, written in millions of dollars.
This new gift is so monumental. Cornell is renaming its engineering school in his honor. It is now the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering. A nice touch for a man who has done so much.
The Launch Fund: Investing in Tomorrow's Tech
The gift is not a single lump sum for one project. It is strategically divided. It is about lasting impact and immediate action.
The biggest portion is $250 million. This creates the Duffield Legacy Fund. This fund will provide ongoing support. It will help the engineering college pursue strategic opportunities for generations to come. It's about long-term stability.
Another $50 million is dedicated to educational excellence. This will ensure Cornell's programs remain top-tier.
The remaining $71.5 million is perhaps the most exciting part. This is the Duffield Launch Fund. The name itself suggests speed and innovation. This fund addresses immediate priorities. It is for quick, targeted investments.
What does 'immediate' mean here? It means a huge push for the future.
This Launch Fund will update physical infrastructure. It will strengthen research facilities. It will support new faculty and students. This is crucial. Research is the lifeblood of a top college. The fund targets key emerging areas.
Think about quantum engineering science. The world needs this. Think about artificial intelligence (AI). It is everywhere. Think about engineering human health. This is a matter of life and death. Duffield's money puts Cornell at the forefront of these fields.
A History of Giving Back
This is not Duffield's first major gift to Cornell. Not by a long shot. He has been giving for decades. His impact is visible across the Ithaca campus.
In 2025, he gave $100 million. That was for the renovation and expansion of Duffield Hall. At the time, it was the largest gift the engineering college had ever received. He keeps breaking his own records.
His philanthropy goes beyond technology. It shows a true human interest.
Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, are major advocates for animals. They support military veterans. Their giving extends to the College of Veterinary Medicine. They funded the Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program. They also established the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior.
They even run the Liberty Dogs initiative. It is a service dog training program. It is for U.S. military veterans. These veterans are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a perfect example of technology wealth serving a human and animal mission.
Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff summed it up best. Duffield stands out. Not just for his accomplishments. But for his determination "to do the greatest good." This donation is a capstone moment. It helps close Cornell's "To Do the Greatest Good" capital campaign. It ends the year with a flourish.
A great gift is not just about the money. It is about the vision. Duffield saw a chance to honor his parents. He saw a chance to empower future engineers. He took it. The impact will be felt for generations.
Source: forbes.com
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