As Nvidia grew into one of the world’s most valuable companies, CEO Jensen Huang (젠슨 황) had by his side his wife, Lori Huang (로리 황), who has been with him for more than 40 years. She has had few public activities, but has been a partner who has watched Nvidia’s growth, from a college relationship through marriage, founding the company and philanthropy.

Business Insider reported on Nov. 9 that Lori Huang first met Jensen Huang while they were students at Oregon State University. She was then using the name Lori Mills and was his lab partner in an electrical engineering class. The two married 5 years after meeting at the university.

Jensen Huang recalled in a 2024 interview that there were only 3 female students in the classroom at the time. He said he suggested to Lori that they study together every Sunday and that he won her heart by promising he would become a CEO before turning 30.

Their relationship extended beyond family to Nvidia. Their children, Madison and Spencer Huang, both currently work at Nvidia. Madison is senior director of product and technology marketing for the physical AI platform division, and Spencer works as a product line manager in the robotics software division.

Lori Huang also plays an important role in philanthropy. She serves as president of the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Foundation, which she and Jensen Huang set up in 2007. The foundation, based in Palo Alto, California, had net assets of $9.1 billion based on a 2024 U.S. Internal Revenue Service filing.

Donations to their alma mater have also continued. Oregon State University said the two donated $50 million to the university in 2022 to support the creation of the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex. Lori Huang received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the university in 1985.

Jensen Huang stressed at the time that meeting his wife was the single most important event to happen in his life and at Oregon State University. That college relationship has continued for more than 40 years.

Jensen Huang has mentioned his wife’s influence several times in public. In an October 2023 interview on HP’s online program “The Moment,” he said his signature black leather jacket style was chosen by his wife and daughter.

In a May interview with Singapore outlet Channel NewsAsia (CNA), he said Lori Huang was with him throughout Nvidia’s growth. “Lori has been with me for a very long time, and we have shared our whole lives,” he said. “She has been with me at every stage of Nvidia.” He added that his wife was by his side at every conference and speech, and at the company’s important moments.

Rather than stepping to the forefront of management like her husband, Lori Huang has shown her presence through foundation work and donations. Behind Nvidia’s rapid growth is not only founder Jensen Huang but also the story of his wife and family, who have stood by him for a long time.