Chuck Feeney '56 Cornell

Got this email from Cornell, my alma mater.

Again, this shows me another Cornell philanthropist, Chuck Feeney '56, a good almost 50 years older than me. It is so selfless of him to donate billions to the world, yet he is still living in relatively below-average.

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CEN hosted this presentation in New York City and it was a smash hit, especially among those of us whose blood runs Big Red. We hope you'll join us here in Ithaca to hear this fascinating story. No need to register or pay – just show up!

Cornell University is proud to host one of Ireland's most revered reporters and authors, Conor O'Clery, who has graciously agreed to come to Cornell to share one of the most extraordinary stories in the university's history.

Mr. O'Clery devoted two years of his life to researching and writing the biography of one of the world's most generous and secretive billionaires, Chuck Feeney '56. Mr. Feeney is a Hotel School graduate, co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers (the world's largest duty-free retail chain), and philanthropist to the world. How Mr. Feeney built and sold DFS is a fantastic topic in and of itself. But the more amazing lessons come from what he did with the billions he made and how he went about putting his wealth to good use.

Today, Chuck Feeney, who wears a $15 watch and travels coach, would be one of the wealthiest men in the world – except he gave away his fortune to endow Atlantic Philanthropies. The foundation has made donations totaling $4 billion and will give away another $4 billion over the next decade. Incredibly, nobody, not even Mr. Feeney's business partner, knew the extent of his generosity, as all of his gifts were anonymous.

Mr. Feeney's support through Atlantic Philanthropies has enriched Cornell in numerous ways – allowing the university to maintain its need-blinds admission policy, launching scientific initiatives, and transforming residential life. It has also touched the lives of people in need around the globe in profoundly meaningful ways.

At this special event, you will have an opportunity to hear Mr. Feeney's trusted biographer and award-winning journalist Conor O'Clery talk about the secret life of one of the world's most benevolent entrepreneurs. After his presentation, Mr. O'Clery will join us for a wine and cheese reception, book sale, and signing at the Terrace Restaurant in the Statler Hotel.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007
4:00 p.m. Uris Auditorium, Uris Hall
5:00 p.m. Reception and Book Sale/Signing, Terrace Restaurant, Statler Hotel
Cost: Zero!
Questions: Amy Russ, 607.254.7123 / AJR6@cornell.edu or Jennifer Cunningham, 607.254.7174 / JBL29@cornell.edu

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