In a landmark moment for both philanthropy and higher education, Harvard University announced a historic $400 million endowment from alumnus John A. Paulson. This unprecedented gift, the largest in Harvard’s distinguished history, is dedicated to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), marking a new chapter for the institution and solidifying its position at the forefront of 21st-century innovation. In recognition of this extraordinary generosity, Harvard has renamed the school the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
This transformative contribution from John A. Paulson arrives at a pivotal time for SEAS. Since its establishment as a School in 2007, evolving from the Lawrence Scientific School founded in 1847 and later the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, SEAS has experienced remarkable growth. The school has broadened its academic offerings, introducing undergraduate concentrations in high-demand fields such as biomedical, mechanical, and electrical engineering, alongside a master’s program in computational science and engineering. This expansion is mirrored by a nearly 30 percent increase in faculty and a staggering 150 percent surge in course enrollment, demonstrating the burgeoning interest in engineering and applied sciences at Harvard.
Looking to the future, the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is poised for further expansion into the University’s Allston campus. This strategic move will place SEAS at the heart of a dynamic ecosystem of innovation, situated amongst state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities, adjacent to the Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Harvard Innovation Lab (i-lab). This location is designed to foster collaboration and cross-disciplinary interaction, embedding SEAS within a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and innovators within an emerging research and enterprise zone.
John A. Paulson, alongside Harvard President Drew Faust and Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria, at the announcement of his historic 0 million donation to rename the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Harvard President Drew Faust eloquently captured the profound impact of John A. Paulson’s commitment: “John Paulson’s extraordinary gift will enable the growth and ensure the strength of engineering and applied sciences at Harvard for the benefit of generations to come. His appreciation of the importance of SEAS to faculty, students, and Schools across the University has motivated a historic act of generosity that will change Harvard and enhance our impact on the world beyond.” Her words underscore the far-reaching implications of this donation, not just for Harvard but for the broader landscape of engineering education and global innovation.
The Vision Behind John A. Paulson’s Philanthropy
John A. Paulson, a Harvard Business School alumnus from the class of 1980, articulated his motivation for this monumental gift by emphasizing the critical role of education in advancing humanity. “There is nothing more important to improve humanity than education,” Paulson stated. He highlighted Harvard’s enduring 379-year legacy of global impact across diverse disciplines, expressing his belief that his gift would contribute to this legacy by empowering SEAS to become a 21st-century leader in engineering. The endowment is strategically designed to bolster faculty development, support cutting-edge research, and provide crucial scholarships and financial aid, ensuring accessibility and excellence within the program.
Paulson further emphasized the strategic importance of SEAS and its Allston expansion, envisioning it as “the next frontier for Harvard” and “the next major center of innovation.” As a Harvard alumnus who acknowledges the profound benefits of his own education at the institution, supporting this endeavor was described by John A. Paulson as both a privilege and an honor. His perspective reflects a deep understanding of the transformative potential of engineering and applied sciences in addressing the complex challenges of our time.
SEAS: A Crucible of Discovery and Innovation
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is already a hub of groundbreaking research and impactful teaching. Faculty and students are actively engaged in tackling some of society’s most pressing issues. SEAS laboratories have been the birthplace of remarkable discoveries, showcasing Harvard’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Recent breakthroughs originating from SEAS include organ-on-a-chip platforms revolutionizing drug testing, swarms of self-organizing robots demonstrating advancements in artificial intelligence, and innovative nanotechnology devices transforming optical electronics. Furthermore, SEAS researchers are developing implantable cancer vaccines, contributing vital insights into the intricate relationship between atmospheric chemistry and climate change, and even creating self-assembling robots from flat sheets, exemplifying the breadth and depth of innovation within the school.
Beyond specialized research, SEAS plays a crucial role in providing all Harvard College undergraduates with a fundamental introduction to engineering and technology. Recognizing that technological literacy is an essential skill for future leaders across all sectors in the 21st century, SEAS ensures that students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to these critical fields. This commitment to broad-based education is reflected in the success of SEAS alumni, who have made significant contributions across various industries. Notable alumni include former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, U.S. Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, and Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, demonstrating the diverse pathways opened by a Harvard SEAS education.
The surging student interest in engineering and applied sciences at Harvard further underscores the school’s growing prominence. Undergraduate concentrators in SEAS have increased exponentially in recent years, and the introductory computer science course CS50 has become the most popular course at Harvard College, attracting over 800 registered students annually. This overwhelming demand highlights the increasing recognition of the importance of engineering and computer science skills in today’s world.
Leading SEAS into a New Era
Francis J. Doyle III, the incoming dean of SEAS, will serve as the inaugural John A. Paulson Dean of SEAS. This appointment, coupled with his designation as the John A. and Elizabeth S. Armstrong Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences, signifies a new era of leadership for the school. His vision and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences into its next phase of growth and impact, building upon the foundation laid by John A. Paulson’s transformative gift.
Michael D. Smith, Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the unique character of engineering at Harvard, stating, “There is no easy formula for innovation, in both the physical and digital worlds — in both atoms and bits — but SEAS accomplishes both.” He highlighted the diverse impact of SEAS alumni, from Airbnb co-founder Nathan Blecharczyk to biomimetic engineer Professor Joanna Aizenberg, illustrating the school’s ability to foster both entrepreneurial success and groundbreaking research. Smith concluded, “That’s engineering at Harvard. That’s what this gift will multiply.”
Interim dean of SEAS, Harry R. Lewis, further emphasized the historical significance of the donation, stating, “This visionary gift will enable our faculty, researchers, and students to build on that legacy and fulfill our potential to become one of the world’s premier engineering and applied sciences programs.”
Echoing this sentiment, Nitin Nohria, dean of HBS, highlighted John A. Paulson’s visionary leadership: “He understands that this gift will be the cornerstone for a Harvard campus in Allston where multiple disciplines can converge and combine their passion for knowledge, unleashing discovery in ways that truly benefit society and the world.”
John A. Paulson: A Visionary Leader and Philanthropist
John A. Paulson’s journey to becoming a leading philanthropist began with his graduation with high distinction from Harvard Business School in 1980. In 1994, he founded Paulson & Co. with modest beginnings – $2 million and a single employee. Today, the company, specializing in alternative investments, manages over $19 billion and employs more than 125 individuals globally, a testament to Paulson’s astute business acumen and leadership.
Beyond his professional achievements, John A. Paulson has demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy, generously supporting various causes in education, the arts, health care, and conservation. His dedication to giving back is further exemplified by his service on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations, including the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors, the New York University Board of Trustees, and prominent cultural and civic institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Central Park Conservancy. John A. Paulson’s landmark gift to Harvard University is a powerful embodiment of his vision and generosity, set to shape the future of engineering education and innovation for generations to come.
