Cornell University Tributes Alumni Ratan Tatas' Leadership, Philanthropy, And Love Of Flying
Cornell University remembers the legacy of ‘Ratan Tata’, the ’59, B.Arch. alumni, a former Cornell trustee, and the university’s largest international donor – died on Oct 9 in Mumbai. The university recalls the educational and professional journey as India’s most influential and respected business leaders and philanthropists.
Ratan Tata joined the Class of 1959 of mechanical engineering but after two years decided to major in architecture instead. From 2006 to 2022, Tata served as a trustee for three terms at Cornell and was also named Cornell’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013.
“Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary legacy in India, across the world, and at Cornell, which he cared about deeply,” said Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff. “Ratan’s quiet demeanor 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.”
Cornell shared the news on social media ‘X’.
Ratan Tata ’59, B.Arch. ’62, the university’s most generous international donor and one of India’s most respected business leaders and philanthropists, passed Oct. 9. We will remember his legacy of transformative giving to Cornell.https://t.co/0v0zYb6aGl
— Cornell University (@Cornell) October 9, 2024
The university recalls the global impact of his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to humanity.
Read also: Tata Trusts Scholarships: A Legacy Of ‘Ratan Tata’ In The Education Sector
The university said that as of this academic year, a total of 305 Tata scholarships have been awarded to 89 students from India, with a special emphasis on supporting students from “non-feeder” schools, It helped to attract talented applicants and elevate the university’s profile.
Cornell also recalls Tata’s passion for flying mentioning the reunion documentary. With several classmates on board, he once safely executed an emergency landing at what is now Ithaca Tompkins International Airport after a strut failed in the single-engine Tri-Pacer he was piloting.
