Robert F. Smith creates scholarships for underrepresented Cornell University students pursuing careers in STEM

On May 13, Cornell Engineering presented billionaire and philanthropist Robert F. Smith with a Distinguished Alumni Award. During his acceptance speech, the founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners announced he was continuing his altruistic endeavors by gifting US$15 million to Cornell’s College of Engineering, his alma mater. His donation will subsidize undergraduate students who attend Cornell from underserved and underrepresented communities and who have attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), according to the Cornell Chronicles.

“I am grateful to Robert for sharing our commitment to welcoming the most talented and promising students, regardless of background or ability to pay, and helping us ensure that cost never becomes an obstacle to a Cornell education,” said Cornell President Martha E. Pollack. “His leadership in advancing equity and making higher education accessible to all students will have an impact for generations to come.”

Smith established three eponymous funds, The Robert F. Smith Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, Robert F. Smith Graduate Fellowship Fund, and Robert F. Smith Student Success Fund. The scholarships will provide financial support for at least seven undergraduates per year who can access the scholarship fund with US$45,000 in grants which require no repayment. Twelve students pursuing their master’s and five doctoral students can apply for the graduate student fellowship.