News

Jeff and Judy Henley give $50 million to UCSB’s College of Engineering and Institute for Energy Efficiency

Oracle Chairman and UCSB Alum Jeff Henley and wife Judy’s gift to support innovative technology research at UCSB

Jeff and Judy Henley have committed $50 million to UCSB for the Institute of Energy Efficiency (IEE) and its highly regarded College of Engineering (CoE). Their investment helps propel the campus toward the $1-billion goal of its Campaign for UC Santa Barbara, a multiyear fund-raising effort. Jeff Henley, a 1966 UCSB grad with distinction, is the campaign’s co-chair.

“The philanthropic leadership of Jeff and Judy Henley is deeply inspiring; we are thrilled by their vision and generosity, and excited about the momentum their gift provides as we launch the next phase of our billion-dollar Campaign for UC Santa Barbara,” said Chancellor Henry T. Yang. “Jeff and Judy have contributed to our university in countless ways over the years, including the Henley Chair in Economics and the beautiful Henley Gate that stands as the iconic entrance to our campus. We are tremendously honored that this transformative $50 million gift for our Institute for Energy Efficiency and our College of Engineering –– the largest gift in the history of our campus –– will become part of the Henleys’ living legacy at UC Santa Barbara.”

Of the Henleys’ total pledge, $30 million will go toward Henley Hall –– the future base of operations for IEE to be named in honor of this generous gift –– and be invested in faculty recruitment for both the IEE and the CoE. The additional $20 million, in the form of an estate commitment, will support priorities of the College of Engineering.

ECE has close ties to both the College of Engineering and the Institute of Energy Efficiency leadership — CoE’s Dean, Rod Alferness and IEE’s Director, John Bowers and Executive Director, David Auston are all ECE faculty members.

UCSB Press Release (full release)

College of Engineering

Institute of Energy Efficiency