Tag: Alumnus

  • Cornell Receives $371.5M Pledge From Alumnus Entrepreneur

    Cornell Receives $371.5M Pledge From Alumnus Entrepreneur

    Cornell University has received a pledge of $371.5 million from alumnus and software entrepreneur David Duffield, marking the largest single gift in the institution’s history.

    Combined with previous gifts from Duffield—which now total $550 million—the new contribution will establish the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering. Cornell is already home to Duffield Hall, which was completed in 2004 and houses research and teaching facilities for nanoscale science and engineering. Last year Duffield pledged $100 million—at the time, the largest gift in Cornell’s history—to update and expand the eponymous building.

    The new pledge will be used primarily for endowment funds, including $250 million for the Duffield Legacy Fund, which will support the university’s ongoing strategic pursuits, and $50 million to advance key priorities related to educational excellence. The remainder will create the Duffield Launch Fund, which will support updating the college’s physical infrastructure, strengthening research facilities, supporting teaching and learning, and advancing research excellence.

    “I welcome the opportunity to help advance technological research, innovation and leadership at Cornell,” Duffield said in news release. “I’ve worked closely with many Cornellians over the years, and they consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership, creativity and problem-solving abilities. It’s a privilege to give back to my alma mater in ways that strengthen the university’s commitment to excellence.”

    Duffield has credited his Cornell professors for setting him on the path to success. He went on to become the founding CEO of two companies— PeopleSoft and Workday—that were each valued at $1 billion or more at their initial public offerings.

    “Many Cornell graduates have gone on to make incredible contributions to society through their innovations,” Cornell president Michael I. Kotlikoff said in a statement. “Among this esteemed group, Dave Duffield stands out for his transformational accomplishments and his determination to do the greatest good. We are tremendously grateful for Dave’s generous previous support of the College of Engineering and the Veterinary College. And Dave’s new gift and naming of the College of Engineering will impact Cornellians for generations and is an extraordinary tribute to the college and to Cornell.”

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  • NC State Alumnus Kevin Howell Named University’s 15th Chancellor

    NC State Alumnus Kevin Howell Named University’s 15th Chancellor

    Kevin HowellThe University of North Carolina Board of Governors has elected Kevin Howell as North Carolina State University’s 15th chancellor, marking a historic appointment as the first chancellor to have also served as the university’s student body president.

    Howell, who will assume the role on May 5, will succeed Chancellor Randy Woodson, who is retiring in June after 15 years of leadership.

    UNC System President Peter Hans recommended Howell following a national search that attracted more than 75 candidates.

    “Kevin Howell is a born leader with a long record of service to North Carolina, the UNC System and NC State University,” Hans said. “His deep relationships across the state have helped drive investment and growth. I am confident that he will strengthen NC State’s role as a frontier research university, keeping North Carolina competitive in the most important fields of our future.”

    Howell currently serves as chief external affairs officer at UNC Health. His previous experience includes various leadership positions at NC State, including vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development from 2018 to 2023. He also worked as assistant to the chancellor for external affairs from 2006 to 2016 and has held interim roles in university advancement and alumni affairs.

    From 2016 to 2018, Howell served as senior vice president for external affairs at the UNC System Office. His government experience includes working as a legislative liaison to two former governors, along with roles at the NC Bar Association and Jefferson-Pilot Financial Insurance Company. He began his career as a legal clerk at the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

    “This university shaped my life in profound and generous ways, and I am honored for the chance to lead my alma mater,” Howell said. “NC State is a brilliant and inspiring place, just like the state we serve. There are exciting days ahead for the Pack, and I’m ready to make a difference.”

    A native of Cleveland County, Howell earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from NC State, where he represented students on the university’s Board of Trustees as student body president. He later received his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

    Ed Stack, vice chair of the NC State Board of Trustees and chair of the chancellor search advisory committee, praised the selection. “Among an impressive group of candidates, he stood out as the strongest choice. Kevin truly exemplifies the university’s ‘think and do’ spirit – especially in driving economic development and improving the lives of North Carolinians,” said Stack.

    Ed Weisiger, chair of the NC State Board of Trustees and a member of the search committee, highlighted Howell’s relationship-building skills, calling him “a trusted partner to those he leads and those with whom he interacts and works.”

    UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy said that she is confident that Howell “will steward university resources, build industry relationships and lead the institution to even greater success.”

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