George Mason University Receives Landmark $20 Million Donation

News Summary

George Mason University has secured a significant $20 million donation from the Kimmy Duong Foundation, aimed at enhancing its School of Computing. This contribution is expected to leverage additional state funding, potentially reaching a total impact of $36 million. In honor of this generous gift, the School of Computing will be renamed to the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing. The funds will establish multiple endowments to promote scholarships and support diverse educational initiatives at GMU, reflecting a commitment to advancing technology education and student success.

Fairfax, Virginia – George Mason University Receives Landmark Donation for Computing Education

George Mason University (GMU) has announced the receipt of a $20 million donation from the Kimmy Duong Foundation, which will significantly enhance the university’s School of Computing. The donation is expected to leverage Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program, potentially increasing its total financial impact to $36 million.

In recognition of this generous contribution, GMU’s Board of Visitors has voted to rename the School of Computing to the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing. This decision highlights the lasting impact that individuals like Duong and Nguyen have had on the institution and its commitment to advancing technology education.

Funding Details and Initiatives

The donation will establish three endowments at GMU to promote educational opportunities:

• Scholarships and Student Success Initiatives: Two endowments will specifically focus on scholarships aimed at supporting students within GMU’s College of Engineering.
• Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Endowment: The third endowment will prioritize students majoring in nursing, education, or journalism, ensuring diverse fields of study are represented and supported.

Impact on Student Opportunities

George Mason University President Gregory Washington emphasized the importance of the donation for enhancing student opportunities. The support from the Kimmy Duong Foundation embodies the challenges and aspirations shared by many GMU students, as demonstrated by Duong’s personal journey.

Kimmy Duong, a refugee from Vietnam, provides an inspiring example of resilience and determination. After earning a Bachelor of Science in economics and law from the University of Saigon in 1966, she worked for IBM from 1968 until 1975, before eventually joining Pragmatics in 1994 as vice chairwoman and CFO. Her foundation, established in 2015, aims to support health, education, and welfare initiatives both in the United States and Vietnam.

Historical Contributions to GMU

The Duong and Nguyen partnership in philanthropy is not new; in 2009, they made a significant contribution of $5 million to establish the Nguyen Engineering Building at GMU. Their ongoing commitment to education represents a dedication to bettering student experiences at the university, which they have now enhanced with this latest donation.

Contextual Donations in Higher Education

This $20 million donation to George Mason University aligns with a growing trend in higher education philanthropy aimed at increasing access and resources for students. Recently, Creighton University received a $10 million bequest from alum Elno Zikmund and his wife, Tillie, designated for unrestricted scholarships. Additionally, the University of San Diego was granted a $10 million donation from Dan and Phyllis Epstein to establish a Military-Connected Center for Excellence. Both institutions are preparing to enhance their educational offerings to better serve their student populations.

Conclusion

The celebration of this transformative donation took place on April 25, 2025, at GMU’s Fairfax campus, marking an important milestone not only for the university but also in the broader context of higher education contributions. With improved funding for computing education, GMU is poised to create enduring opportunities for future generations of students.

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Additional Resources

• Northern Virginia Magazine: GMU Renames School of Computing
• Forbes: Major Naming Gifts to GMU
• WTOP: $20M Donation to GMU
• NBC Washington: String Attached to $50M Gift to GMU
• New York Times: Koch Donors to GMU
• Wikipedia: George Mason University