Cornell
Chuck Feeney remained deeply committed to his alma mater throughout his life, and grants from the Atlantic Philanthropies to Cornell University totaled $1 billion. The foundation’s first grant, in 1982, was more than $7 million to establish the Cornell Tradition, a program that continues to provide financial support to undergraduates who maintain paid, legal employment and perform community service during their studies. Over the years, Atlantic’s contributions to Cornell supported student fellowships, facilities renovations, and academic programs, with roughly half dedicated to capital projects. These included the construction of the Carl A. Kroch Library, the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center, and student residences on West Campus. The largest of these efforts was a $350 million grant in 2012 to fund the first phase of the new Cornell Tech campus in New York City—Atlantic’s single largest grant ever.
President Frank H.T. Rhodes with two Cornell Tradition students, 1994.
Cornell Tradition students with children from GIAC (Greater Ithaca Activities Center), 1993.
The 1989 letter informing President Frank H.T. Rhodes of a $25 million contribution towards the construction of what would be known as the Carl A. Kroch Library, home of the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC).
Although the gift comprised a third of the project’s funding, the Atlantic Philanthropies’ strict confidentiality requirement stipulated that neither Atlantic nor its founder may be recognized as a source. This letter emphasizes confidentiality—all but the initial paragraph is comprised of details about confidentiality and repercussions if breeched. For this reason, the dedication plaque near the entrance to RMC mentions neither Atlantic nor Feeney.
Chuck Feeney with David W. Butler, dean of the School of Hotel Administration and two students (Annie Chen and unidentified), 2004.
Photo by Robert Barker.