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The New Jersey Institute of Technology will rename its College of Science and Liberal Arts after receiving the single largest philanthropic gift ever made by an NJIT graduate to the university. 

The founder and CEO of Princeton-based RiskVal Financial Solutions LLC, Jordan Hu earned his master’s degree in computer science from NJIT in 1989. He’s also a former member of the university’s board of trustees and a 2018 recipient of the college’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. 

In honor of the “historic” commitment, NJIT will formally rename the college to the Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts during a Sept. 6 dedication ceremony. 

An NJIT representative told NJBIZ that Hu requested the gift amount not be disclosed. 

“The entire university community is deeply grateful for Jordan’s extraordinary gift to NJIT,” NJIT President Teik Lim said in an Aug. 5 statement. “This renaming celebrates his remarkable and exemplary investment in the foundation of this university, which will create new avenues for expanded education and research opportunities, profoundly impacting the lives and careers of NJIT students for many years to come.” 

What the gift will support 

Hu’s donation will create two endowments. One will establish the Jordan Hu Taiwan Scholarship, which will support students from Taiwan who pursue degrees at NJIT.  

The second endowment will fund the Hu Family scholarships and fellowships for undergraduates and graduate students in the Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts. 

Additionally, the second endowment will: support curricular development and innovation; help fund enhancements to classrooms and lab facilities; and bolster research efforts across the college’s academic departments. 

“I hope this contribution helps strengthen the vital study of the fundamental sciences offered at the college. I also hope it encourages Taiwanese students to come to NJIT,” Hu added. “I want them to feel supported, as if there is a lighthouse waiting here to guide them if they are willing to venture out and pursue their dreams.” 

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