Cornell University celebrated the life of Charles F. “Chuck” Feeney ’56, founding chairman of Atlantic Philanthropies, at an event held at Cornell Tech on April 19, honoring the university’s most generous Officially named a thoroughfare on the New York City campus in memory of the donor. his honor.
The event was attended by more than 200 guests and was a tribute to Mr. Feeney's $8 billion philanthropic efforts around the world and his commitment to help establish and sustain Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island in New York City. Mr. Feeney's nearly $1 billion in gifts to his alma mater were recognized, including $350 million, the largest individual grant from his foundation. .
Cornell University leaders call Mr. Feeney the university's “third founder,” after Ezra Cornell and its first president, Andrew Dixon White, in terms of his influence. There are many things. He passed away in October 2023 at the age of 92.
“Supporting Cornell Tech has been a lasting way to extend the opportunities I have benefited from to others,” said Apr. 2023, when the university announced the creation of Feeney Way at Cornell Tech. Feeney said in May. “I am grateful that my approach to giving while I live has been recognized, and I hope that Feeny Way will lead the way to similar success for many others in the future.”
In 2021, East Avenue on the Ithaca campus was renamed “Feeney Way” in honor of Feeney's 90th birthday. Cornell Tech is now home to his second Feeney Way at Cornell Tech, where Mr. Feeney is recognized for his transformative impact on the university and for his role in helping build Cornell Tech's campus. It has been.
“No matter where you stand on Cornell University's campus, whether you stand at Cornell Tech, at Weill Cornell Medical College, or in Ithaca, you are surrounded by living monuments to the quiet greatness of Chuck Feeney,” Martha Feeney said. President E. Pollack said Feeney's approach to philanthropy was consistent with his selfless nature. “It wasn't about what he wanted, it was about what was needed: how to do the greatest good.”
Feeney Way is a path through the heart of Cornell Tech's campus that begins just south of the 59th Street Bridge and stretches about a quarter-mile through campus buildings and the central plaza.
“We know that Chuck had a vision for what this campus meant to the future of Cornell University and New York City, and that he created a vision for all of us who will benefit as members of the Cornell University community. We are very grateful for this opportunity,” said Greg Morissette, Jack and Lila Nefsey Dean and Vice Chancellor of Cornell Tech. “Today, just days shy of Chuck’s 93rd birthday, we are proud to open Feeney Way, a walkway that connects all trails and all buildings on campus. We are confident that this will inspire current and future generations of Cornell Tech students and alumni to give back to the community in any way they can.”
A self-made entrepreneur who co-founded Duty Free Shop in 1960, Feeney went on to become one of the world's greatest and most inspirational philanthropists. He was an early and passionate proponent of “giving while living,” which encourages people of means to give away most of their wealth during their lifetimes. In this regard, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have cited him as the inspiration for the “Giving Pledge” initiative, which has been embraced by many of the world's leading philanthropists.
Through Atlantic Philanthropies, Mr. Feeney spent more than 40 years supporting people and causes around the world, from education and human rights to medical research, health equity, peacebuilding and social justice. Approximately $1 billion in gifts to Cornell University, most made anonymously, continue to change and impact the lives and experiences of the university and its students and faculty.
During the event, which also featured performances by alumni singers from the Cornell University Glee Club and bagpipe player Joe Baylor from the County Armor Pipers Band, Itai Dinner '01 was held at Cornell University, a scholarship program created by Cornell University. He talked about the influence of the university's traditions. Donated by Feeney.
“I am one of 6,000 proud Cornell Tradition alumni who have benefited from Chuck Feeney's catalytic and innovative philanthropy,” Dinner said. “I am doing my part to remain involved as an active alumnus in Cornell University’s efforts to develop future generations of empathetic and engaged citizens. I'm going to help plant and grow seeds of service for the university and continue that cycle.'' The Cornell tradition and Chuck Feeney invested in me. ”
The celebration also featured remarks from Dr. Deborah Rose ('92), daughter of the late President Emeritus Frank H.T. Rose. Christopher Oechsli, President and CEO of Atlantic Philanthropies; Juliette Feeney Timsitt '84 and Caroleen Feeney, daughter of Chuck Feeney. Robert Steele, former New York City deputy mayor for economic development during the Bloomberg administration; Craig Kaiser, MBA '84, Chairman of the Cornell University Board of Trustees.
