$13 million naming gift from George Conrades to endow university’s new engineering school
Internet pioneer George Conrades, a prominent alumnus of Ohio Wesleyan University, has made a transformative $13 million lead gift to endow the university’s new engineering school, now named the George Conrades School of Engineering.
His donation anchors a $17 million fundraising effort that will support the launch and long-term sustainability of the school, marking a significant expansion for the historic liberal arts institution and significantly elevating its STEM offerings.
George Conrades is internationally recognized for his leadership in the tech sector.
With decades of experience, he served as Akamai Technologies’ chairman and CEO. He played a pivotal role in the early growth of the Internet as CEO of BBN, the company that built the ARPANET.
He previously held senior executive positions at IBM, including helm of U.S. and Asia-Pacific operations, and has served on major corporate boards, including those of Oracle and Harley-Davidson. Conrades and his wife, Patsy, are long-standing supporters and trustees of Ohio Wesleyan University, with deep multigenerational ties to the institution.
Conrades’ $13 million lead gift is the cornerstone of a recently completed fundraising drive in which Ohio Wesleyan raised a total of $17 million in just six weeks to support the new School of Engineering.
This unprecedented fundraising pace reflects not only alumni enthusiasm but also the university’s ambition to expand its academic offerings and adapt to today’s students’ needs. The endowed school, named after Conrades, is positioned to attract talent, faculty, and resources, and to provide innovative curricula and research opportunities in engineering disciplines.
The creation of the George Conrades School of Engineering marks a milestone in Ohio Wesleyan’s ongoing transformation into a liberal arts institution with a robust STEM presence. University leaders note that the investment will enable Ohio Wesleyan to compete nationally for top students and faculty, foster cross-disciplinary innovation, and better serve the needs of industries led by technological change. The move aligns with a trend among leading liberal arts colleges to add engineering schools, expanding professional and research options for undergraduates without sacrificing traditional liberal arts strengths.
This latest donation further cements George Conrades’ legacy as a visionary philanthropist and leader within the Ohio Wesleyan community.
His gift follows years of active involvement as a trustee, alumni leader, and advocate for the university’s development.
The Conrades School of Engineering will serve as both a tribute to his achievements and a platform for future generations of innovators and engineers, ensuring his impact on Ohio Wesleyan and the broader technology sector endures well into the future