$30 million naming gift from David and Patricia Atkinson powers opening of research hub
Cornell University has officially opened Atkinson Hall, a state-of-the-art research facility made possible by a transformative $30 million gift from philanthropists David R. Atkinson and Patricia Atkinson.
The building, dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, stands as a testament to the couple’s enduring commitment to interdisciplinary research and global impact.
The Atkinsons’ generous donation brings to life a visionary space designed to foster collaboration across fields such as sustainability, cancer biology, immunology, nutrition, global health, and computational biology.
Atkinson Hall is the first building on Cornell’s campus that is unaffiliated with a single college, reflecting its mission as a nexus for radical, cross-disciplinary innovation.
“This investment is the physical embodiment of the Atkinson family’s long-term commitment to research that makes a tangible difference in the well-being of people and the planet,” said David Lodge, director of the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, one of several prominent research entities now headquartered in the building.
The Atkinsons’ latest $30 million gift adds to their legacy of support at Cornell, which includes over $80 million in prior contributions to establish the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability—now celebrating its 15th anniversary.
Their philanthropy has bolstered the university’s research initiatives in agriculture, energy, food systems, and health, consistently focusing on solving pressing global challenges.
“Dave and Pat’s tremendous generosity helps our community to pursue the innovation, the discovery and the creativity that is necessary to solve the issues we face across the globe,” said Provost Kavita Bala. “Their ongoing support allows Cornell scientists to propel their science into the world.”
Atkinson Hall also exemplifies Cornell’s sustainability goals, with green design features such as rooftop solar panels, energy-saving thermal regulation, and a cascading air system that reduces energy use by more than 26% compared to similar research buildings.
The building now houses Cornell Atkinson, the Department of Computational Biology, the Master of Public Health program, and the Cornell Center for Cancer Immunology—positioning it at the forefront of scientific discovery and societal impact.
Reflecting on the project, David Atkinson said, “It is very gratifying to know that the presence of Atkinson Hall will enhance the collective work of so many talented Cornell faculty and staff.”
With this milestone, the Atkinsons once again reaffirm their role as among Cornell’s most visionary benefactors, championing a future where science, sustainability, and humanity converge.