David A. Duffield - '58

Dave Duffield is an enterprise software entrepreneur who founded six companies, including two that grew to be publicly traded global business leaders, PeopleSoft and Workday. He is currently the founder and CEO of Ridgeline, a startup building a software platform for the investment management industry. Dave is known for making employees and customer service a top priority, and his companies are known for their focus on core values and strong people-based cultures. He is a father of 10, grandfather of 9, husband, and philanthropist. His first family foundation, Maddie's Fund, is a leading nationwide influencer and supporter of innovative solutions in animal welfare. His current foundation, the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, supports his local community, veterans, and companion animal welfare. He has a special interest in giving back to the educational institutions that provided him with an exceptional experience. In addition to supporting the Duffield STEAM Initiative at Ridgewood High School, Dave is the benefactor behind Duffield Hall, one of the country's most sophisticated research and teaching facilities for nanoscale science and engineering at Cornell University, where Dave earned a B.S. in electrical engineering ('62) and an MBA ('64). While at Ridgewood High School, Dave received the top math award for the Class of 1958 (a new slide rule), threw the first no-hitter in school history, and was named a New Jersey All-State (Honorable Mention) baseball pitcher. Inducted 2022.

CLASS YEAR

1958

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