Dana and David Dornsife
Dana and David Dornsife are philanthropists, humanitarians, and dedicated Trojans whose unrivaled investment in the USC Dornsife College has transformed the university into a research powerhouse. Through their visionary giving, our academic community pushes the boundaries of knowledge and defines the future of scholarship that will change the world.
A Transformative Gift
On March 23, 2011, the University of Southern California’s oldest, largest and most diverse academic unit was named the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Longtime supporters of the university and international philanthropists, Dana and David gave $200 million — the largest single gift in USC’s history — to name the college.
The unprecedented gift expands core support for innovative research and scholarship, outstanding PhD programs and dynamic undergraduate education across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Investing in Excellence
Among the most notable and prestigious ways to honor the scholarly excellence of university faculty is through endowed chair appointments. As part of their historic gift, Dana and David Dornsife funded several chairs – embracing centuries of tradition while also acknowledging work that lies on the cutting edge of the recipient’s discipline. Most of all, endowed chairs provide durability to ensure the vision behind the gift continues in perpetuity.
Dana and David Dornsife Chair in Psychology
Wrigley Institute Director and Professor of Psychology, Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies
David Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience
University Professor, Professor of Psychology and Neurology
Dana Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience
University Professor, Professor of Psychology and Neurology
Dana and David Dornsife Chair in Chemistry
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Quantitative and Computational Biology
True Humanitarians
International philanthropists Dana and David Dornsife support endeavors focused on issues ranging from sustainability, health care, racial justice, environmentalism, and much more. In addition to their transformative naming gift for USC Dornsife, Dana and David’s have made a positive impact on millions across the world. Learn about some of the Dornsife’s philanthropic work.
In the News
Couple to give record $200-million gift to USC
Dana and David Dornsife award USC the largest gift in the university’s history.
New $40 Million Investment for World Vision’s Water Program
Dana and David Dornsife continue to make investments in World Vision’s water, sanitation, and hygiene program. The gift supports work in 24 African countries and makes the Dornsifes the leading family in the world investing in clean water access.
David and Dana Dornsife speak on philanthropy
In an event hosted at USC, Dana and David Dornsife discuss their philanthropic mission and experiences supporting work to bring water to rural Africa.
Mindful Giving
With the generous support of David and Dana Dornsife, the Brain and Creativity Institute advances its groundbreaking research.
USC Dornsife celebrates philanthropists whose major gift in 2011 named the college
Trojans and trustees honor David and Dana Dornsife on the five-year anniversary of the largest single gift in USC’s history.