Cornell University has announced a $5 million endowment gift from Irene Rosenfeld (’75, MS ’77, PhD ’80) and Richard Illgen in support of student access.

The gift will establish the Rosenfeld/Illgen Scholarship, which will support 170 students attending any of the university’s colleges and schools in any area of study each year. Recipients will each receive a grant of $1,250 per year, $5,000 total, for the duration of their undergraduate experience.

Rosenfeld and Illgen are longtime supporters of the university and previously endowed the women’s basketball head coach’s office, established an endowed chair in psychology, and have been ongoing contributors to Cornell Hillel. Rosenfeld previously served on the President’s Council of Cornell Women (PCCW) and the Cornell University board of trustees.

“I’ve been passionate about education my whole life. Accessible, high-quality education is critical to the future of our country,” said Rosenfeld. “The opportunity to give back in that space is really important to me.”

(Photo credit: Irene Rosenfeld/Richard Illgen provided to Cornell University)