A wealthy businessman from Bergen County has made an unprecedented pledge of $100 million to fund developments at a facility named after him at Cornell University, as was recently disclosed by the institution.
David Duffield, raised in Ho-Ho-Kus and alumnus of Ridgewood High School prior to his graduation from Cornell University, committed a nine-figure sum with the aim to substantially enlarge the current Duffield Hall at the institution.
stated in a press release
Monday.
This substantial investment, marking the biggest in the engineering program’s history at the university, will establish a new base for the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering along with additional laboratory facilities for key research areas. Building work is scheduled to start this year and finish by 2027.
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“Duffield stated that during his time as a student at Cornell, he had the privilege of being exposed to early mainframe computers and the rapidly evolving landscape of technology,” He added in an official release. “This experience served as the groundwork for his professional journey, and he expressed satisfaction in contributing back by aiding the education of upcoming engineers and pioneers.”
At 84 years old, Duffield is the founder of six businesses specializing in software, such as PeopleSoft and Workday. His earlier contributions to his university helped establish various initiatives across the campus, with one significant achievement being the finishing touches put on Duffield Hall back in 2004.
Dave Duffield stands out as both an exceptional philanthropist and a forward-thinking member of our Cornell community,” stated Cornell interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff. “His contributions have vastly improved the standards of research, education, and overall campus experience at the university, and he remains dedicated to exploring fresh ways to further Cornell’s objectives.
The $100 million donation represents the most recent charitable initiative from Duffield, who has been actively involved in such efforts.
a net worth of roughly $14.4 billion
to one of the institutions where he studied.
In December 2022, Duffield
contributed $10 million to Ho-Ho-Kus schools
– the biggest one in the district’s history – for building a new school gymnasium
unveiled in September
. He also
offered a $635,000 donation from an alumnus
In 2021, regarding the STEAM initiatives at Ridgewood High School, which he graduated from in 1958.
The article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com.
Billionaire David Duffield from New Jersey has made an unprecedented donation of $100 million to Cornell University.
