Skip to main content

Who is Chuck Feeney and how is he a part of Cornell Tradition history?

In 1982, The Atlantic Philanthropies, a foundation established by entrepreneur Charles F. Feeney ’56, made its first-ever grant of $7 million to establish The Cornell Tradition.

In January 2017, as Atlantic Philanthropies was designating their final donations, Cornell Tradition again benefited from their generosity and was permanently endowed.

Spring 2017 http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/04/doing-good-while-doing-well-cornell-traditions-silver-threadLinks to an external site.

Mr. Feeney's goal was to give away his fortune before the end of his life. 

Giving away a fortune http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2020/10/chuck-feeney-reaches-lifetime-goal-giving-away-fortune?fbclid=IwAR2boy0LGZ3Sozz8bsyVGJQZNRpKgW3KLjf4j4Nqm8mlXPHPWtRC9Vvr_y0#.X39A9UCWwkU.linkedinLinks to an external site.

Forbes article http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenbertoni/2020/09/15/exclusive-the-billionaire-who-wanted-to-die-brokeis-now-officially-broke/?fbclid=IwAR2HK689p6C-RO0Ndk-CgGonbUz4xxLsY9eY1NAEz0LvpZqz1fLUFzA9o0A&sh=1e70f2a73a2a (Links to an external site.)

In 2021, Cornell chose to rename East Ave to Feeney Way in recognition of Mr. Feeney's contributions to Cornell University.

Feeney Way Ezra article http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2021/05/cornell-tradition-alumni-reflect-programs-lifelong-impactLinks to an external site.

Feeney Way  http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2020/12/cornells-east-avenue-be-renamed-feeney-way?fbclid=IwAR2d1Pvu_ZoAXVyIxTf6sbXEnDmqbCQfCE8n-rZ5f-IG3hI-WPPPKX56IdQLinks to an external site.

If you are an alumnus of the Cornell Tradition or a current Fellow of the program, and you would like to write a letter of thanks to Charles Feeney, you can submit your message here.