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UVA Wise Receives Largest Single Gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation

Genna Welsh Kasun
Crowd gathered at Casteen Plaza

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) announced today a historic investment in its students, programs and facilities. The Bill Gatton Foundation gifted the College $11.2 million to establish funds to support multiple key initiatives at UVA Wise. 

Located in Bristol, the Foundation honors the life and many impacts of Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, a highly successful businessman and investor, generous philanthropist and bridge builder who not only led successful businesses for seven decades and in several states, but did so for the purpose of making gifts to help future generations to succeed.  

The gift, which is the largest single gift in UVA Wise’s history, will have an impact of $15.7 million as the University of Virginia’s Bicentennial Scholarship program will match portions of the generous donation.

The Foundation’s investment will create six endowed funds and support:

  • The Chancellor’s Greatest Needs Fund, which includes the naming of the C.M. “Bill” Gatton Hospitality Suite and the C.M. “Bill” Gatton Chancellor’s Seating Box in the David J. Prior Center.
  • The naming of the Bill Gatton Department of Nursing. 
  • The naming of the Bill Gatton Department of Technology Management and Data Analytics and, once constructed, the Bill Gatton Technology and Data Analytics Hall. 
  • The creation of the Bill Gatton Scholars Program, which includes three incredible new scholarship funds: the Bill Gatton Academic Scholarship, the Bill Gatton Athletic Scholarship, and the Bill Gatton Technology & Data Analytics Scholarship. These particular funds will be matched by the University of Virginia’s Strategic Investment fund at $4.5M.
  • Create the Rachel Clay-Keohane Mathematics Fund to honor the former star basketball player and head coach of the UVA Wise women’s basketball team, member of the UVA Wise Hall of Fame, and long-time faculty with the UVA Wise Department of Mathematics.
  • And, finally, the gift includes support and naming on the Bill Gatton Softball Field.

“To say this gift will be transformative doesn’t really capture the monumental impact that it will have,” says Donna P. Henry, UVA Wise’s Chancellor. “Every future student at the College will benefit from this gift.” 

The Bill Gatton Foundation trustees’ generosity ensures Bill Gatton’s legacy will live on at UVA Wise. 

“I had the good fortune to have spent some time with Mr. Gatton and it was immediately clear why he had been so successful. Mr. Gatton was incredibly smart, funny, and dedicated to making life better for others. We are honored to carry forward his legacy,” Chancellor Henry concludes. 

The Bill Gatton Foundation gifts, along with the matching funds, will add another $15 million to our endowment, which currently sits $166 million dollars. 

“We are deeply grateful to The Bill Gatton Foundation trustees for the generosity to UVA Wise,” said Valerie S. Lawson, vice chancellor for advancement and alumni engagement at UVA Wise. “These funds will be game changers for our students and institution, and we look forward to seeing the impact of Mr. Gatton’s legacy.”