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: 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 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,” says 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 5 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 says. “I am confident that it 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 fully realize 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 gamechanger 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 W&M. Her confidence in the university’s leadership and vision underscores her commitment to seeing support grow and inspire others to join this crucial effort.
