Reflecting on My Anonymous Donor - A Tribute to Chuck Feeney

During my time at Cornell University and for two decades after graduation, how a significant portion of my tuition got paid remained a mystery—funded by an anonymous donor. As a hopeful student unable to afford the cost of studying at Cornell in the late 1980s, I embarked on a scholarship search, meeting numerous alumni and benefactors. Eventually, I was blessed with an anonymous benefactor, yet curious about the generous soul behind the financial support.

Each semester, I would collect a check from a splendid, wood-paneled office near Cornell, ever hopeful of catching a glimpse of this mysterious benefactor. Gratitude compelled me to have a thank-you letter ready, always anticipating the opportunity to express my appreciation. Although scolded for my persistence in leaving a thank-you note, my upbringing taught me to be grateful and persistent in acknowledging kindness.

However, the identity of this benefactor remained concealed until 2010 when a dear friend and Cornell Trustee, Harry Petchesky, gifted me a book, The Billionaire Who Wasn’t: How Chuck Feeney Secretly Made and Gave Away a Fortune. This authorized biography unveiled the name behind the anonymous donations—Chuck Feeney.

Eager to extend my heartfelt thanks, I attempted to reach out to Chuck, but my efforts proved unsuccessful. Eventually, I found my way through fellow Cornellians and discovered a celebration organized by Cornell at New York's Natural History Museum in 2010 to honor Chuck.

At this event, he candidly shared with the audience why he chose to cease anonymous donations to inspire others to Giving While Living, stating, "It's a lot more fun to give while you're alive than to give while you're dead … There are so many thrills you can buy for yourself in this world, spending money on yourself, but the biggest thrill you'll ever have is to give away all of your fortune and then watch what happens."

Over his lifetime, he generously gave away over $8 billion, dedicating his final years to personally visiting the causes he supported. When I was privileged to finally meet him face to face, Chuck was a gentle and genuine soul with a humble demeanor, eager to know how I utilized my education to impact the world.

This poignant question continues to resonate within me, urging me to reflect on my own contribution to the world. How am I leveraging my talents to make a difference, to do good?

We all possess something valuable to offer the world—whether it's a talent, a passion, or a helping hand. It doesn't always have to be in the form of financial contributions. Offering a piece of ourselves to the world brings immense satisfaction, creating a sense of fulfillment. It's a notion that becomes addictive, connecting us to our shared humanity. Such acts of giving bring joy to others and set them on a path of purpose and meaning—a wish I extend to each and every one of you today.

Chuck's passing on October 9 compels me to dedicate this article to him.

Chuck Feeney, along with his college friend Robert Miller, revolutionized the luxury goods industry with Duty Free Shoppers in the 1950s and 60s, eventually selling their empire to LVMH. Chuck chose to give away his fortune of over $8 billion during his lifetime through the Atlantic Philanthropies.

For over two decades, his generosity remained anonymous, and I was among the fortunate recipients. He emerged as one of Cornell University's most generous donors, later channeling his philanthropy to finance various global causes—such as peace in Ireland and anti-apartheid in South Africa—profoundly impacting education, health, research, innovation, human rights, and peacemaking efforts.

Atlantic Philanthropies strategically directed their grant-making across seven countries, targeting specific sectors to bring about transformative change. Chuck Feeney's legacy challenges us to ponder how we employ our education and resources to create a better world, encouraging us to be catalysts for positive change and to envision a world made better through our contributions.