Cornell University announced that alumnus David A. Duffield ’62, MBA ’64 has made the largest gift in the university’s history, a contribution exceeding $520 million that will rename the College of Engineering as the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering.
The gift includes a new pledge of $371.5 million, a $100 million commitment made in 2025, and previous donations to the university. Duffield’s total giving to Cornell now stands at $550 million, placing him among the institution’s most significant donors of all time.
Duffield said the gift is intended to advance technological research, innovation, and leadership at Cornell, noting that his collaborations with Cornell alumni over decades have consistently reflected strong creativity and problem-solving skills. University President Michael I. Kotlikoff called the donation transformational, saying it will impact Cornell students and faculty for generations.
Duffield is a prominent figure in enterprise software, having founded six companies over a career spanning more than 60 years. He is one of only two founder CEOs in U.S. history to lead two companies — PeopleSoft and Workday — to initial public offerings valued at $1 billion or more. His most recent company, Ridgeline, provides technology platforms for the investment management industry.
The gift serves as a capstone to Cornell’s “To Do the Greatest Good” capital campaign. A significant portion will be directed to endowment funding, including a $250 million Duffield Legacy Fund to support long-term strategic priorities and an additional $50 million dedicated to educational excellence. The remainder will establish the Duffield Launch Fund, designed to address immediate needs such as infrastructure upgrades, faculty and student support, and research initiatives in areas including quantum engineering, artificial intelligence, and engineering for human health.
Duffield has previously supported and named several major facilities and programs at Cornell, including Duffield Hall, a central hub for nanoscale science and engineering research. A major expansion and renovation of the building, announced in 2025, is being fully funded by his earlier $100 million gift.
Lynden Archer, dean of the College of Engineering, said the naming of the college reflects Duffield’s deep commitment to the institution’s mission and future. Duffield credited Cornell faculty mentors and his parents for shaping both his career path and his dedication to giving back, emphasizing the role education played in his family.
Beyond Cornell, Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, support causes related to veterans, animal welfare, and public service. At Cornell, their philanthropy also includes major investments in the College of Veterinary Medicine and service dog programs for military veterans.
University officials said celebrations marking the creation of the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering are expected to take place later this year.
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