Cornell University renames its engineering college after a record-breaking gift from Ridgewood alum

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, in a move that will reshape the future of American engineering, Cornell University has officially renamed its engineering school. Now known as the David A. Duffield College of Engineering, the institution is celebrating a $371.5 million pledge—the largest single donation in the university’s 161-year history.

For residents of North Jersey, the news hits close to home. David Duffield, a proud Ridgewood High School alumnus, has become one of the most transformative philanthropists in higher education, now totaling over $550 million in lifetime giving to his alma mater.

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Breaking Down the Historic $371.5 Million Pledge

This isn’t just a donation; it’s a strategic roadmap for the future of technology. Duffield’s gift is divided into three major pillars:

• $250 Million – The Duffield Legacy Fund: Dedicated to the college’s long-term strategic operations and stability.

• $71.5 Million – The Duffield Launch Fund: Focused on aggressive advancement and the renovation of existing facilities to keep Cornell at the cutting edge.

• $50 Million – Educational Excellence: Funding specifically designed to enhance the student experience and instructional quality.

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From Ridgewood to Tech Titan

David Duffield (’62, MBA ’64) is a legend in the enterprise software world. With a current net worth of approximately $11 billion, he is the mastermind behind companies that power the modern world:

1. PeopleSoft: The platform Cornell (and thousands of other institutions) uses for admissions and student data.

2. Workday: The gold standard for HR and workforce management.

3. Ridgeline: His latest venture in investment management software.

Duffield holds the rare distinction of being one of only two CEOs in U.S. history to lead two different companies to an IPO valuation of $1 billion or higher.

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A Heart for Local Communities: Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus

While his impact at Cornell is global, Duffield has never forgotten his New Jersey roots. His philanthropy continues to pour back into the Bergen County area:

• Ho-Ho-Kus Public School: Just yesterday, the Board of Education announced a $10 million gift from Dave and Cheryl Duffield to build Duffield Hall, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and wellness center.

• Ridgewood High School: Duffield’s support was instrumental in the Duffield STEAM Initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), ensuring the next generation of “Duffields” has the tools to succeed.

“My parents did not have the opportunity to pursue four-year degrees,” Duffield told the Cornell Chronicle. “This is a testament to their parenting.”

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“To Do the Greatest Good”

The gift comes as a massive boost to Cornell’s “To Do the Greatest Good” campaign, which aims to raise $5 billion by the end of 2026. Interim President Michael Kotlikoff praised Duffield not just for his wealth, but for his “determination to do the greatest good” through innovation and leadership.

The renaming of the College of Engineering ensures that the Duffield name—already synonymous with software excellence—will now be permanently linked to the next century of engineering breakthroughs.

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