Cornell Receives a $55M Gift for Global Development School

The Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has received a $55 million donation from alumnus and former trustee Stephen B. Ashley to establish the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment.

By combining the college’s existing departments of global development and natural resources, the new school is designed to bring together expertise in agricultural, life, environmental and social sciences, university officials said in a news release Tuesday.

“The Ashley School will create a dynamic ecosystem for discovery, experiential learning and innovation, transcending disciplines to spark scientific breakthroughs and real-world economic benefits for New York state and the world,” said Benjamin Houlton, the college’s dean. “Strengthened by our world-class expertise, global leadership and land-grant mission, CALS is uniquely positioned to work with our partners to train the next generation and support a sustainable planet for all.”

Ashley, who earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the New York land-grant institution, is now chairman and CEO of The Ashley Companies, a Rochester-based firm that specializes in property management, brokerage, financing and real estate investment. Throughout his career, Ashley has served on the University Council, the Far Above capital campaign and the university Board of Trustees.

“Over the years, Cornell has influenced much of my personal and professional life,” he said. “I am delighted to be able to support this initiative, which has been so thoughtfully framed and structured. I appreciate how it creates even stronger collaborations between agriculture, environmental science, economics and research to positively impact communities.”