CONTACTS:
Suzanne Clavet, scseur@wm.edu
John Wallace, jwallace@vims.edu
This historic gift is the largest ever to a
university in support of coastal and marine science
education, research and solutions
WILLIAMSBURG, Va., July 24,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The accelerating pace of global
change poses grave challenges to marine systems and to billions of
people who live near coastlines. Worldwide, coastal communities
face existential threats such as rising sea levels, increased storm
intensity and flooding, loss of agricultural land and impaired
water quality. At this crucial moment, William & Mary will lead
the way forward. A transformational $100
million gift from philanthropist Jane Batten HON '17, L.H.D.
'19 will catalyze the newly named Batten School of Coastal &
Marine Sciences. Batten's visionary gift will position W&M and
its Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) as the
premier destination for developing solutions to these threats —
building on the university's strong scientific reputation and
unmatched expertise in coastal resilience.
This is the biggest and boldest gift ever given to a university
for a school dedicated to coastal and marine sciences. It is also
the largest gift in William & Mary's 331-year
history.
Global Impact
Through this gift, Batten is calling on
the global community to unite in supporting the school's
groundbreaking research and innovation.
"William & Mary has long been at the vanguard of research
tackling urgent local, national and international challenges. No
institution is better positioned to address global change," said
President Katherine Rowe. "By
investing in bold ideas and new partnerships, the Batten School
will power 'science for solutions' for Virginia and the world."
Rapid global change — a term that encompasses more than just
climate change — is greatly deteriorating ecological, economic and
social stability in coastal communities and marine systems. It
impacts approximately 3.2 billion people worldwide, including 128
million in the U.S. who live near coastlines. In Virginia alone, it affects nearly five million
people who live in coastal regions.
Global Movement
Batten views her gift as just the
beginning.
"This gift propels us forward toward great promise and
progress," Batten said. "I am confident that this will spark
significant change, building resilience in coastal communities in
the Commonwealth and across the globe for generations to
come."
The university has set a goal of raising at least another
$100 million from state, federal and
private sources to realize fully the vision for the
school.
"I'm calling on fellow philanthropists, government leaders,
alumni and friends to join me in taking action," Batten added.
"I've always believed that philanthropy is not just something you
should do, it is something that is a privilege to do. I'm
privileged to be able to give to something that will be a
game-changer for the world."
Batten, who is not a W&M alumna, believes that the best way
to tackle some of the greatest global threats is by giving to and
through William & Mary. Her confidence in the university's
leadership and vision underscores her commitment to seeing support
grow and inspire others to join this crucial
effort.
Global Vision
Located on the York River in
Gloucester Point, Virginia, the
Batten School will offer the ideal setting for coastal and marine
research and education, surrounded by wetlands, marshes and coastal
waters.
"We have a geographical advantage, expertise advantage and
historical presence in this area. We also have the breadth and
depth in coastal and marine systems to allow us to take on very
significant challenges that other places aren't equipped for," said
Dean of the Batten School and Director of VIMS Derek Aday. "With this unprecedented gift, we
will not only advance critical research and inform policy but also
train the next generation of scientists, thought leaders and
engaged citizens, preparing them to navigate the complexities of
global change in this century."
Specifically, the Batten School will focus on:
- Attracting Great Minds: Establishing a clear identity as
the premier global institution for coastal and marine sciences, we
will attract top students and scientists and engage stakeholders to
maximize science for solutions.
- A Global Destination: Transformational changes at the
Gloucester Point campus include
new infrastructure that will build community, serve the public with
engaging educational opportunities and present emerging
solutions.
- Coordination & Partnerships: As the Commonwealth of
Virginia's hub and a global leader
for coastal and marine sciences, we will provide responsive policy,
innovative teaching and broad engagement with public and private
partners across the world.
- Leading-Edge Degree Programs: Launching a new bachelor's
degree program, expanding graduate opportunities and alternative
credentials across William & Mary's diverse academic schools
and research institutes.
- Interdisciplinary Reach: Recruiting outstanding
interdisciplinary scientists to address urgent coastal and marine
challenges.
These focal points build on the university's Vision 2026 water
initiative, elevating William & Mary's commitment to innovative
solutions that ensure the resilience of the world's oceans, coasts
and waterways.
Global 'Science for Solutions'
Named for one of the
most generous and impactful families in the Commonwealth of
Virginia, the Batten School will
accelerate nearly a century of 'science for solutions' at VIMS.
Established in 1940 and fully integrated with William & Mary in
1979, VIMS is a trusted global leader in coastal and marine
research, education and public engagement.
As a state agency, VIMS has a legal mandate to conduct research
and provide scientific advice to the Commonwealth. Working hand in
hand with one another, the Batten School will be positioned as the
nation's preeminent school for coastal and marine sciences, with
the goal of offering a B.S. in addition to the existing M.A., M.S.
and Ph.D. degrees.
Just months ago, the university announced that it will seek to
establish a bachelor's degree in marine science, the first public
undergraduate marine science degree in Virginia.
Global Legacy
Jane
Batten and her late husband Frank
Batten, who served on William & Mary's Board of Visitors
in the 1990's, along with their children Dorothy Batten and Frank
Batten Jr., are renowned for their exceptional generosity in
the areas of environmental conservation, education and research,
among others.
The Batten family has had an extraordinary impact on William
& Mary, establishing the Batten Foundation Scholarship
Endowment at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business and the Frank
Batten Sr. MBA Investment Fund Endowment. They also created the
business school's Center for Online Learning to grow its portfolio
of online graduate degree programs.
Jane is actively involved with several local foundations,
including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Hampton Roads
Community Foundation, and has received numerous awards for her
volunteerism and philanthropy.
For decades, the Battens have inspired others to invest in
bettering society. This $100 million
gift, in particular, underscores the family's commitment to
fostering resilience in the face of global change.
"The Batten family legacy of giving continues to drive positive
change worldwide. They are incredibly passionate about the
Chesapeake Bay and other coastal systems, immensely knowledgeable
about key issues and motivated to make a difference," added Aday.
"This gift is evidence of shared trust and mutual belief that
together, along with our philanthropic partners, we can make a big
difference in some of the most important systems on the
planet."
According to Aday, faculty, staff and students at W&M and
VIMS are ready to seize this moment, broadening research, educating
an engaged public and providing scientifically sound guidance for
decision-making. "Our work has positioned us as a global scientific
leader, a respected educational partner and a trusted advisor on
coastal and marine issues. We are optimistic about our next chapter
and hopeful that together, with partners across the globe, we can
implement real change for the betterment of humanity."
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/100-million-gift-to-establish-william--marys-batten-school-of-coastal--marine-sciences-302204700.html
SOURCE William & Mary