William & Mary Receives Historic $50 Million Donation for Marine Sciences Scholarships

A Transformative Chapter in Coastal and Marine Sciences at William & Mary

William & Mary, a renowned institution in Virginia, has recently made headlines with an extraordinary $50 million scholarship donation from alumnus Dr. R. Todd Stravitz and the Brunckhorst Foundations. This monumental gift stands as the largest scholarship contribution in the university's history, particularly aimed at supporting students in coastal and marine sciences. It marks a significant step toward solving some of the most pressing environmental challenges that our world currently faces, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and widespread ecological degradation.

The new R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program will facilitate full tuition for students enrolled in the innovative bachelor's degree in coastal and marine sciences, a program that is pioneering in Virginia and the first of its kind in the nation. This program was recently approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and is set to empower the next generation of scientists and leaders.

William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe expressed immense gratitude towards Dr. Stravitz and the Brunckhorst Foundations, highlighting that this donation removes financial barriers for students aiming to tackle urgent environmental issues. "These future trailblazers will craft solutions that safeguard ecosystems, economies, and the communities that depend on them around the globe," Rowe said.

The announcement of this gift follows a previous $100 million contribution made by Jane Batten, which established the Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences. Together, these gifts signal a robust commitment to cultivating expertise in environmental conservation and sustainability at one of America's leading academic institutions.

Derek Aday, dean of the Batten School and director of VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Science), emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "This gift is about funding tomorrow's problem-solvers." He noted that William & Mary equips its students with critical skills necessary to find applied solutions for today’s challenges. This investment ensures they are prepared to lead in the areas where the world needs their skills the most.

Reflecting on his time as a student, Dr. Stravitz remarked on the significance of creating pathways for current students. "When I was a student, a degree like this didn't exist, and I want to create the pathway for today's students to experience the best of William & Mary so they are prepared for the greatest challenges of their generation," he said. He advocates for educational programs designed to foster environmental stewardship, asserting that the future of our planet relies heavily on educating young leaders.

The Brunckhorst Foundations, which have been pivotal in supporting the Batten School and VIMS, are dedicated to addressing critical global issues such as medical research and environmental sustainability. Their contributions have enabled the academic community to enhance resilience, conservation, and education initiatives.

Provost Peggy Agouris highlighted the long-term benefits of the donation, stating that it will profoundly impact generations of students who will deepen their expertise in essential research fields. Thanks to this generous support, emerging scholars will have incredible opportunities to contribute to the ongoing discourse around environmental preservation and science.

Significantly, this gift coincides with William & Mary commencing its Year of the Environment. This initiative endeavors to unite the university community in a collective effort to strengthen commitment to environmental health and sustainability. Throughout the year, the university will work on advancing conservation efforts both within its campus and throughout the wider community.

In summary, the $50 million gift to William & Mary not only paves the way for aspiring marine scientists but also reinforces a crucial commitment to tackling environmental changes. It serves as an inspiring example of how philanthropy can foster academic opportunity and bolster environmental education. The Batten School is set to welcome its pioneering cohort of students this fall, ready to make impactful contributions that align with the exigent needs of our planet.