William & Mary Receives Historic $50 Million Scholarship Gift for Coastal & Marine Sciences
William & Mary has received a transformational $50 million gift—the largest scholarship donation in the university’s history and the biggest ever for a school of coastal and marine sciences. The gift, from Dr. R. Todd Stravitz ’82 and the Brunckhorst Foundations, will fully fund tuition for students pursuing the newly launched bachelor’s degree in coastal & marine sciences at W&M’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences.
At a time when rising sea levels, eroding coastlines, and environmental degradation threaten communities worldwide, the R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program will empower the next generation to develop solutions for some of the planet’s most pressing challenges.
A Vision for the Future
“This gift removes financial barriers, allowing the brightest minds to access the learning and tools needed to address our planet’s urgent problems,” said W&M President Katherine A. Rowe. “These future trailblazers will craft solutions that safeguard ecosystems, economies, and communities around the globe.”
The announcement follows the $100 million gift from Jane Batten in 2024 that established the Batten School and coincides with Virginia’s first public undergraduate degree in coastal & marine sciences, recently approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The program will welcome its first cohort this fall, beginning with an immersive semester at the Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).
Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders
“This gift is about funding tomorrow’s problem-solvers,” said Derek Aday, dean of the Batten School and director of VIMS. “At William & Mary, we equip students with the skills to craft applied solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time. This investment ensures our students can lead where the world needs them most.”
Dr. Stravitz, a passionate advocate for education and environmental stewardship, emphasized the long-term impact of this scholarship:
“When I was a student, a degree like this didn’t exist. Our best hope for solving today’s environmental crises 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.”
The Brunckhorst Foundations, known for advancing medical research and environmental sustainability, have been long-time supporters of W&M’s conservation and resilience efforts.
A Milestone in W&M’s Year of the Environment
This historic gift coincides with William & Mary’s Year of the Environment, a yearlong initiative focused on sustainability, conservation, and environmental leadership. As the Batten School and VIMS expand their impact, this scholarship ensures that generations of students will have the opportunity to study, innovate, and lead in the fight against climate change.
With this investment, William & Mary is cementing its place as a national leader in coastal and marine sciences—one student, one breakthrough, and one solution at a time.