ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University has announced a record-breaking $371.5 million gift from alumnus David A. Duffield, a contribution that marks the largest single donation in the institution’s 161-year history.
In recognition of the gift, the university will rename its engineering school the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering. The funding will support a massive overhaul of the university’s engineering infrastructure, including a 130,000-square-foot expansion of Duffield Hall and a total renovation of Phillips Hall, the longtime home of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
“I welcome the opportunity to help advance technological research, innovation and leadership at Cornell,” Duffield said in a statement. “It’s a privilege to give back to my alma mater in ways that strengthen the university’s commitment to excellence.”
The $371.5 million pledge follows a previous $100 million commitment made by Duffield in 2025. With this latest gift, the total lifetime giving to Cornell from Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, exceeds $550 million.
A Dual Legacy: High-Tech and Heart
The scale of the gift to the engineering college is matched only by the Duffields’ long-standing commitment to a seemingly different cause: animal welfare. This dual focus defines a philanthropic philosophy rooted in personal promises and life-changing gratitude.
Duffield, the co-founder of PeopleSoft and Workday, has often traced his professional success to his education at Cornell. However, he credits his emotional resilience during the “stormy periods” of his career to a miniature schnauzer named Maddie.
In 1994, the couple established Maddie’s Fund with an initial $200 million investment. The foundation was born from a promise Duffield made to the dog: “If we ever make some money, I promise we will give it back to you and your kind so others can be as happy as we are today.”
Since then, Maddie’s Fund has awarded more than $300 million in grants to revolutionize the shelter system and create a “no-kill” nation.
Where Engineering Meets Empathy
The Duffields’ two passions frequently intersect at Cornell. While the newly named David A. Duffield College of Engineering will focus on cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology, the Duffields have also been the primary benefactors for the College of Veterinary Medicine.
In 2022, they pledged $12.1 million to launch the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior, and their support for the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program has established Cornell as a global leader in veterinary care for homeless animals.
Transforming the Ithaca Campus
University officials said the record-breaking gift will fundamentally alter the student experience. The expanded facilities are expected to provide state-of-the-art laboratory space for more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
“Dave’s generosity enables us to provide our students with the hands-on experiences and cutting-edge technology they need to make a positive difference in the world,” said Lynden Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering.
Construction on the Engineering Quad is expected to begin later this year, signaling a rapid transformation of the campus skyline and a permanent elevation of Cornell’s status among the world’s elite technical institutions.