Community leaders react to $50 million gift
Community leaders reacted to news of a $50 million donation to RIT – the largest in the university’s history – from 2009 alumnus Austin McChord, founder and CEO of Datto.
“This extraordinary gift recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and potential of this great institution. I applaud alumnus Austin McChord for his dedication to supporting students’ educational goals, encouraging innovation and ensuring every RIT student has the opportunity to succeed.”
- NYS Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle
“Today’s announcement that Austin McChord has donated $50 million to his alma mater, Rochester Institute of Technology, is tremendous news for RIT, its students and the Rochester community. Mr. McChord’s gift will ensure that RIT’s students will have limitless education opportunities in entrepreneurship and cyber security for generations to come, guaranteeing that RIT graduates will be among the most ready for success in a 21st Century, global economy. Thank you to Austin McChord for his investment in RIT and the future of our community.”
- New York State Sen. Joe Robach
I thank Austin McChord for this incredible gift to RIT and for the contributions he has made to our community through his successful leadership of Datto. I am especially grateful that his generous investment will enhance creativity and innovation at RIT, supporting a new generation of entrepreneurs who will one day grow jobs and opportunity right here in Monroe County, too.”
- Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo
“Today’s big news from RIT is great news for our entire community. The success of important stakeholders and employers in our region, like RIT, only further enhances our ability to create more jobs, safer/more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for all the citizens of Rochester. Austin McChord’s $50 million donation is just incredible and it further builds on all that he already does for our city through the continued success and expansion of Datto. Thank you, Austin McChord, for believing in RIT, our city and your workforce."
- Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren
“Outstanding news for RIT and our region. Entrepreneurship and cybersecurity are incredibly important disciplines, for both our future economy and society. Thanks and bravo, Austin.”
- Vincent Esposito, Regional Director, Empire State Development
“Mr. McChord’s generosity will help RIT students and faculty members for years to come. His gift will allow RIT to continue its cutting-edge work in the field of cybersecurity, which is critical to businesses and individuals worldwide. It will also help recruit faculty and make it possible for more students to realize the dream of a college education. Thank you for sharing your success with the RIT community.”
- New York State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan
“Throughout the years, Rochester has benefited greatly from individuals whose innovation and business success allowed them to give back to our area. With this commitment to RIT today, Austin McChord joins those before him, helping pave the way for RIT to continue to foster and develop some of the greatest entrepreneurs and IT specialists in the country.”
- New York State Sen. Rich Funke
“Austin McChord’s $50 million donation to RIT underscores the extraordinary partnerships emerging between universities and businesses in Rochester. This donation to support entrepreneurship and cybersecurity, coupled with Austin’s commitment to grow Datto in Rochester, further strengthens our region’s significant IT sector.”
- Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise