William & Mary has been catapulted into a new era of marine science leadership through two extraordinary gifts that will reshape coastal education for generations.
Jane Batten’s landmark $100 million donation has established the prestigious Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences on the banks of the York River, reframing W&M’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science. This monumental investment has been powerfully amplified by a complementary $50 million gift from Dr. R. Todd Stravitz and the Brunckhorst Foundations, creating a revolutionary full-tuition scholarship program for future marine scientists.
This waterfront academic powerhouse in Gloucester Point now stands poised to attract
the brightest minds in coastal studies, removing financial barriers while providing unparalleled access to one of the nation’s most ecologically significant estuaries.
The Batten gift—the largest in W&M’s history and the largest ever to any dedicated coastal and marine sciences school—emphasizes the Batten family’s commitment to fostering resilience in the face of global change. Jane Batten is deeply concerned about the accelerating threats to marine ecosystems and the billions of people who live near coastlines. The second gift is the largest scholarship endowment ever given to W&M.
“Our best hope for solving the environmental crises we face,” says donor Stravitz, “is educating young people to care for and improve our planet. Programs like this are critical to our future, and I’m honored to support this vital mission.”
W&M’s research strives to tackle urgent challenges at every level—local, national, and international. “By investing in bold ideas and new partnerships, the Batten School will power ‘science for solutions’ for Virginia and the world,” says W&M president Katherine Rowe.
“We have a geographical advantage, expertise, and historical presence in the area,” says Derek Aday, dean of the Batten School and director of VIMS. “With these unprecedented gifts, we will not only advance critical research and inform policy but also train the next generation of scientists, thought leaders, and engaged citizens,” he adds. “We are hopeful that together with partners across the globe, we can implement real change that makes a difference in the world.” VIMS.edu
This article originally appeared in the August 2025 issue.
