$100 million gift to school of mechanical engineering from alumnus John W. Durstine
Georgia Tech has announced the largest single donation in its history: a $100 million gift from alumnus John W. Durstine to benefit the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.
The Institute describes the gift as a transformational investment that will strengthen the school’s faculty, expand research, and enrich opportunities for students.
Durstine, who studied mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech before earning an MBA at Harvard Business School, went on to a distinguished career at Ford Motor Company, where he spent more than three decades.
He has maintained close ties with the Institute, serving as an engaged alumnus, and was inducted into the College of Engineering Hall of Fame in 2014.
His philanthropy reflects a deep gratitude for the education that shaped his professional success and a vision for ensuring future generations benefit from the same opportunities.
The $100 million gift is designated to establish endowed chairs, professorships, and faculty awards within the Woodruff School.
Georgia Tech leaders say these resources will allow the school to attract and retain leading scholars in mechanical engineering, while supporting research that pushes the boundaries of the field.
The Woodruff School, home to more than 110 faculty and 3,000 students, is already one of the Institute’s strongest programs, and this gift is expected to elevate its standing on the global stage.
“This gift allows us to think boldly about the future,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “It ensures that Georgia Tech remains at the forefront of mechanical engineering and strengthens our ability to serve society through innovation.”
The timing of the donation is particularly significant.
Georgia Tech is in the midst of its Transforming Tomorrow campaign, which has a $2 billion fundraising goal by 2027. The Institute reported nearly $300 million in philanthropic support in fiscal year 2025, its best fundraising year to date.
Durstine’s record-setting contribution gives the campaign extraordinary momentum and sets a new benchmark for alumni philanthropy at the Institute.
The previous largest single cash gift to Georgia Tech had been a $50 million commitment from Ernest Scheller Jr. to the Scheller College of Business in 2012.
Durstine’s $100 million gift doubles that record and underscore the growing role of major private support in advancing Georgia Tech’s academic mission.
“I want to support the dreamers, the problem-solvers, the people who will design the future,” Durstine said.
“That’s why I’m investing in Tech today.”