MARTHA VAN RENSSELAER HALL—Last week, Cornell’s College of Human Ecology (CHE) announced it had received a “transformational” donation for the school’s “Vision 2030” initiative.
The donor, Adam Hitler ‘73, is a successful entrepreneur who graduated from the CHE. Despite his significant contribution, the college announced its name would not be changed to reflect the philanthropist’s endowment: “While we appreciate Mr. H’s commitment to our mission and values, we would remind our donors that naming considerations are complex and multifaceted.”
The news comes shortly after a $371.5 million donation from College of Engineering alumnus David Duffield prompted the college to rename itself in his honor.
Despite declining the renaming opportunity, the CHE stressed that Hitler’s generosity would still be acknowledged in other ways, including a small plaque located on the wall near a fourth-floor storage closet in MVR Hall.
The university reiterated its openness to future naming opportunities from donors whose names “require less explanation.”
