Santa Clara University receives multimillion-dollar gift for new AI center
By Sal Pizarro
Published on April 14, 2026.
Santa Clara University has received a donation of nearly $25 million, one of the largest in its 175-year history. The Cunningham Shoquist Center for Applied AI and Human Potential will be a hub for various departments to explore and collaborate on AI tools. The donation was made by Nvidia's executive vice president for operations, Debora Shoquist, a Santa Clara University graduate. The center will be housed at the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation and will be part of the School of Engineering. It will become the fourth of SCU’s “Centers of Distinction” joining the Miller Center for Global Impact, the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education and the Markkula Center. The Center will also fund grants for Santa Clara faculty, student fellowships, hackathons and other events and projects.
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