Despite Departure of Top Fund Managers, Cornell Endowment Gains 17%

(July 14, 2011) — Following the departures of Cornell University’s two top fund managers — including Chief Investment Officer Michael Abbott — its endowment has risen more than 17% in the year ended June 30.

According to A.J. Edwards, interim chief investment officer in the Office of University Investments, the total value of the endowment rose 17.2% to $5.27 billion in fiscal 2011. The figures are preliminary, and final numbers will be available in September, the university stated on its website. The endowment is currently approaching its high-water mark of $5.8 billion at the close of fiscal 2008.

“I’m constantly working with the investment committee to look for investment opportunities,” Edwards said. “We’re always looking ahead.” The gain is thanks to a well-diversified portfolio and good manager selection, he added.

Cornell University’s strong performance marks the second consecutive year of robust growth, following a 12.6% increase to $4.4 billion in fiscal 2010 when it surpassed the returns of Harvard and Yale universities. Its recovery came after Cornell’s endowment fell 26% in fiscal 2009 in the wake of the 2008 US financial crisis.

The university endowment’s current asset allocation includes equities — U.S., international and emerging markets; private equity; hedge funds; natural-resource related investments; real estate; and a small component of traditional fixed income and cash.