Fordham University Receives $100 Million Gift for STEM Education
Major Investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education
Fordham University has announced its largest-ever philanthropic gift of $100 million, which will be used to make significant investments in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.
New STEM Facility
The gift from Maurice "Mo" Cunniffe and Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe, both of whom attended undergraduate and graduate schools at the university and previously served on the Board of Trustees, will create a "cutting-edge" STEM facility on the Bronx Rose Hill campus, along with other programming investments.
Planning Underway
The university has already begun planning the new 200,000-square-foot facility, which will promote interconnectedness between STEM fields and among staff and students. The facility will feature a large, open green space, teaching labs, research space, classrooms, and student lounges.
Expansion of STEM Programs
The school also plans to expand computer science programs at the Manhattan Lincoln Center campus and launch a new physician associate studies Master of Science program at the Westchester campus.
Growing Demand for STEM Careers
STEM is a major focus at Fordham, and its disciplines are highly in demand, according to the school. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that STEM occupations are projected to grow 10.4% between 2023 and 2033, whereas non-STEM occupations collectively are projected to grow only 3.6%. Additionally, BLS data shows that STEM careers have a median wage of over $101,000, compared to non-STEM median wages of $47,000.
Jesuit Educational Traditions
President Tania Tetlow said the gift will help Fordham make the most of the school’s Jesuit educational traditions. "For centuries, the Jesuits have been world-class scientists and mathematicians, always connecting those fields to what it means to be fully human," she said. "Fordham will stand out for integrating science and technology with ethics, humanities, and our other strengths in the professions."
Transformative Investment
The Cunniffes’ $100 million donation is a "transformative" investment in the school’s STEM vision, said Roger A. Milici Jr., vice president for development and university relations. "This is philanthropy at its best."
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the $100 million gift?
A: The gift will be used to make significant investments in STEM education, including the construction of a new 200,000-square-foot facility on the Bronx Rose Hill campus.
Q: Who made the gift?
A: Maurice "Mo" Cunniffe and Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe, both of whom attended undergraduate and graduate schools at Fordham University and previously served on the Board of Trustees.
Q: What are the plans for the new STEM facility?
A: The facility will feature a large, open green space, teaching labs, research space, classrooms, and student lounges, and will promote interconnectedness between STEM fields and among staff and students.
Q: How will the gift impact Fordham’s STEM programs?
A: The gift will help Fordham make significant investments in STEM education, including the expansion of computer science programs at the Manhattan Lincoln Center campus and the launch of a new physician associate studies Master of Science program at the Westchester campus.
