Ratan Tata enrolled at Cornell University as a member of the Class of 1959 and planned to study mechanical engineering.
Cornell University paid tribute to its esteemed alumnus Ratan Tata on Thursday, October 10, 2024, as the Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus breathed his last late Wednesday night at Candy Breach Hospital in Mumbai. The University remembered its student of the batch of 62 and former trustee as he bade adieu to the world.
Ratan Tata enrolled at Cornell University as a member of the Class of 1959 and planned to study mechanical engineering, however, after two years decided to major in architecture instead. A veteran industrialist and philanthropist, Tata earned his degree in architecture and structural engineering in 1962
Speaking about Tata’s significant contribution to the development of India and the world, Cornell University’s Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff underlined his works in the improvement of educational and health facilities for the people of India and millions across the globe. “Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary legacy in India, across the world and at Cornell, which he cared about deeply,” University quoted Kotlikoff.
“Ratan’s quiet demeanour and humility belied his international profile. His generosity and concern for others enabled research and scholarship that improved the education and health of millions of people in India and beyond, and extended Cornell’s global impact,” he added.
Ratan Tata was a trustee at Cornell University and he went on to become the the university’s largest international donor. He funded scholarships and supported research to reduce rural poverty and malnutrition in India, and technology innovation.
Ratan Tata’s Gift to His Alma Mater, Cornell University
In 2008, the Tata Trust established the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition worth 50 million USD and endowed the Tata Scholarship for students from India. In 2017, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) helped build the Tata Innovation Center worth 50 million USD on Cornell Tech’s Roosevelt Island campus in New York City.
