CONTACTS:
Suzanne Clavet, scseur@wm.edu
John Wallace,
jwallace@vims.edu
WILLIAMSBURG, Va., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 will catalyze the Batten
School of Coastal & Marine Sciences and position W&M and
its Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) as the premier
destination for developing solutions to these threats. This is the
largest 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.
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"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."
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 a goal of
raising at least another $100 million
for the school. "I'm calling on fellow philanthropists, government
leaders, alumni and friends to join me in taking action," Batten
added. "I'm privileged to be able to give to something that will be
a game-changer for the world."
Located at W&M's VIMS campus 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."
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