George Mason University Receives $20 Million Donation for Computing School

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Students at GMU School of Computing engaged in collaborative learning.

News Summary

George Mason University (GMU) has announced a significant $20 million donation from the Kimmy Duong Foundation to enhance its School of Computing. The donation, which could total $36 million with state matching funds, will establish three endowments focused on scholarships and student success initiatives. GMU’s Board of Visitors has voted to rename the school to honor the benefactors, emphasizing their commitment to education. This philanthropic gesture represents an important contribution toward empowering students from diverse backgrounds.

Fairfax, Virginia – George Mason University (GMU) announced that it has received a substantial $20 million donation from the Kimmy Duong Foundation to further enhance its School of Computing. This donation is expected to have a total impact of up to $36 million due to potential matching funds from the state of Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program.

In recognition of the donation, GMU’s Board of Visitors has voted to rename its School of Computing to the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing. This renaming honors the significant contributions made by the benefactors and their commitment to education and student success.

The donation will be allocated to establish three endowments. Two of these endowments will focus on supporting scholarships and student success initiatives within GMU’s College of Engineering and Computing, enhancing educational opportunities for future students. The third endowment, titled the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Endowment, will provide scholarships with a preference for students pursuing degrees in nursing, education, or journalism.

GMU President Gregory Washington expressed the importance of this donation, highlighting its potential to impact students from diverse backgrounds and empower them through educational opportunities. As the university strives to cultivate an environment of learning and innovation, this financial support is particularly vital.

Kimmy Duong, who emigrated from Vietnam in 1975, serves as an inspiring example of resilience and achievement. Throughout her journey in the United States, she overcame numerous challenges, ultimately establishing a successful career. Duong earned a Bachelor of Science in economics and law from the University of Saigon in 1966 and began her professional journey with IBM in 1968.

This latest contribution is not Duong’s first act of philanthropy towards GMU. In 2009, Duong and her husband, Long Nguyen, previously donated $5 million for the establishment of the Nguyen Engineering Building, further illustrating their ongoing support for the university and its initiatives.

The significance of educational donations is also illustrated by recent contributions to other universities. For instance, Creighton University received a $10 million bequest from Elno Zikmund and his wife, Tillie, intended for unrestricted scholarships. Similarly, the University of San Diego announced a $10 million donation from Dan and Phyllis Epstein to establish a Military-Connected Center for Excellence, also including a challenge for matching donations. Epstein underscored the importance of community involvement to support military-connected students.

On April 25, 2025, GMU held a ceremony honoring the new donation and emphasizing its potential impact on enhancing student opportunities and experiences. Ken Ball, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing, praised Duong’s story as a testament to determination and success, further motivating current and prospective students to harness their potential.

Duong concluded by expressing her gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her in America and underscored the importance of giving back to the community. The overarching theme of her message resonates with the idea that creating pathways for future generations can significantly transform lives and communities through education.