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Campus Celebrates Naming of Engineering College

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With swag, treats, and—of course—Touchdown, Cornellians marked the new name in honor of David Duffield ’62, MBA ’64

Editor's note: This story includes content from a feature in the Cornell Chronicle.

By Cornellians staff

Photography by Devin Flores

In late January, hundreds of students, faculty, and staff packed the atrium of the Engineering Quad's Duffield Hall to celebrate the naming of the college in honor of the alumnus who's also that building's benefactor: David Duffield ’62, MBA ’64.

Earlier that day, the University had announced that the college would henceforth be known as the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering, established by the largest gift in Cornell history.

“Many Cornell graduates have gone on to make incredible contributions to society through their innovations,” President Mike Kotlikoff said in the announcement. “Among this esteemed group, Dave Duffield stands out for his transformational accomplishments and his determination to do the greatest good."

The outside of Duffield Hall with a new light pole banner that says Cornell Duffield Engineering. — Banners on and around the Engineering Quad bear the new name.

At the afternoon celebration in Duffield Hall, students snapped up hoodies—and snacked on cookies—bearing the new name. They also posed for photos with Touchdown and recorded spots for a thank-you video to the college's benefactor.

Duffield majored in electrical engineering as an undergrad and went on to earn an MBA on the Hill. A successful software entrepreneur, he has founded and led such companies as PeopleSoft and Workday over the course of a six-decade career. His latest endeavor is Ridgeline, a tech platform for the investment-management industry.

He was named Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year in 1996, and in 2018 became the inaugural recipient of Engineering’s Distinguished Alumni Award, its highest alumni honor.

Dave Duffield stands out for his transformational accomplishments and his determination to do the greatest good.
President Mike Kotlikoff

His Cornell philanthropy has totaled more than $520 million—including a new pledge of $371.5 million, a 2025 commitment of $100 million, and previous gifts to the College of Veterinary Medicine, such as the naming of its program in shelter medicine.

“I welcome the opportunity to help advance technological research, innovation and leadership at Cornell,” Duffield said in the naming announcement.

“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.”