Indian American entrepreneurs Navin and Rita Dimond, along with their daughters Ashley and Sonja, have donated a $13 million endowment to Cornell University’s Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. This transformative gift, part of Cornell’s “To Do the Greatest Good” campaign, will fund scholarships for first-generation students with financial need, recognizing them as Hospitality Scholars.
The Dimond family’s contribution unlocked an additional $2.5 million through Cornell’s affordability challenge match program, further expanding the reach of their $10.5 million donation. In recognition, the Nolan deanship has been named the Dimond Family Dean of the Nolan Hotel School.
Navin Dimond, the founder of Stonebridge Companies, was the first in his family to attend college. He and Rita, both children of Indian immigrants to the UK, built successful careers in the hospitality industry and have long championed the power of education. Their daughters, Ashley ’14 and Sonja ’19, both alumni of the Nolan School, share their parents’ commitment to expanding educational opportunities.
“Navin and I grew up in modest homes, and we never imagined we would be where we are today,” said Rita Dimond. “We are so blessed, and it’s our duty to give back. Supporting first-generation students means uplifting entire families.”
Cornell’s incoming Class of 2026 includes nearly 20% first-generation students, highlighting the importance of such initiatives. Andrew Karolyi, Dean of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, praised the Dimond family for their commitment to shaping future industry leaders.
