Historic $50 Million Donation Establishes Scholarships at William & Mary's Batten School and VIMS

A Transformational Gift for Future Generations

In a monumental shift for environmental education, William & Mary has announced a staggering $50 million donation aimed at enhancing scholarships in coastal and marine sciences through the Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). This unprecedented donation, credited to alumni Dr. R. Todd Stravitz and the Brunckhorst Foundations, represents the largest scholarship contribution in the university's history and is a pioneering effort on a national scale for marine science schools.

The pressing environmental challenges facing our planet today, such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and environmental degradation, necessitate immediate attention and solutions. This financial support is set to enable the next generation of scientists and leaders equipped to tackle these urgent issues.

A Long-Lasting Impact

Katherine A. Rowe, the president of William & Mary, expressed profound gratitude towards Dr. Stravitz and the Brunckhorst Foundations, noting that this donation would dismantle financial obstacles and facilitate access to essential learning experiences for the brightest minds. The newly established R. Todd Stravitz Scholarships will cover the complete tuition of students enrolled in the innovative Bachelor's degree in Coastal and Marine Sciences, which is slated to commence this fall at the Batten School.

Dr. Stravitz remarked, "When I was a student, such a program didn't exist. I aim to pave the way for today’s students to experience the best of William & Mary while preparing them for the major challenges of their generation. Educating youth to care for and improve our planet is our best hope to solve the environmental crises we face. Programs like this are crucial for our future, and I am honored to support this vital mission."

This monumental donation is not only a standalone effort; it builds on the momentum created by a previous $100 million donation from Jane Batten in July 2024 that helped establish the Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences. These initiatives come at a critical time, making this the first public undergraduate program in coastal and marine sciences in Virginia, recently approved by the State Council of Higher Education.

Reshaping the Academic Landscape

With the announcement of these scholarships, William & Mary's Batten School aims to foster innovation and leadership. Derek Aday, Dean of the Batten School and Director of VIMS, affirmed that this scholarship program is designed to support future problem solvers. The school is committed to arming its students with the skills necessary to create real-world solutions to pressing global issues.

Graduates of this program will possess the necessary knowledge and tools to lead where their skills are most needed, serving communities around the world reliant on healthy ecosystems and sustainable practices. The collaboration with the Brunckhorst Foundations, known for their commitment to pivotal global causes like medical research and environmental sustainability, signifies a powerful partnership towards a shared mission of resilience, conservation, and education.

A Community of Change

This generous contribution aligns with the launch of the Year of the Environment at William & Mary, which invites the entire campus community to deepen its collective commitment to safeguarding the environment and the communities relying on its wellbeing. The year-long celebration emphasizes sustainability efforts and conservation initiatives, amplifying the university's global impact.

As we stand at this exciting junction, it is clear that the future of marine science education at William & Mary is brighter than ever, opening doors to countless generations of scholars eager to make a difference – in their local communities and beyond. To explore how one can support these transformative initiatives, individuals are encouraged to visit William & Mary's dedicated website.

Together, with shared vision and resources, William & Mary is poised to lead the charge in producing the environmental stewards of tomorrow.