The University of Virginia’s College at Wise has received its largest single gift ever – $11.2 million – from The Bill Gatton Foundation, honoring Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton. The gift will bolster student scholarships and improve facilities at the campus in Southwest Virginia.
UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry says “every current and future student” will benefit from The Bill Gatton Foundation’s generosity. (Contributed photo)
UVA’s Bicentennial Scholarship initiative will match a portion of The Bill Gatton Foundation’s gift for a total impact of $15.7 million, UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry said in a message to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.
“To say that this gift will be transformative doesn’t really capture the monumental impact that will have,” Henry said. “Every current and future student at the college will benefit from this gift.”
In life, Gatton, a successful businessman, investor and philanthropist, donated tens of millions of dollars to several academic institutions, including the University of Kentucky, where he graduated in 1954. An entrepreneur since grade school, Gatton found success in adult life in business, banking and real estate. Since his death in 2022, his foundation has carried on his philanthropy.
[♪ Upbeat music ♪]
Group: “Three, two, one.”
UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry: “Today, we announce the largest gift in the history of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. This gift will impact each and every student at our college, helping them to access a premier education and take advantage of all it has to offer. The gift will fund the college’s greatest needs, which means it will make a difference in students being able to pay their tuition, continue their study if they run into emergencies, succeed within their academic program, and gain vital experience through hands on learning, learning that will help them throughout their careers as they lead fulfilling lives.
“The donors of this gift understand and share the vision that UVA Wise carries out, to build a community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation and the world through excellence in teaching, personalized attention and commitment to individual growth. Their generosity will positively impact our daily work to lift up students and our communities through higher education, and we thank them. Thank you to the Bill Gatton Foundation for your transformational gift to UVA Wise.”
Student 1: “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”
Student 2: “Thank you for your contribution. It allows our students to be able to go to school and not to worry about financial contributions.”
Student 3: “Thank you.”
Student 4: “Thank you. We really appreciate you.”
Student 5: “Thank you.”
Student 6: “Thank you.”
Student 7: “Thank you.”
Student 8: “Thank you.”
Student 9: “Thank you very much for all your support.”
Group: “Thank you.”
[♪ Upbeat music ♪]
