Batten may be best known at the University for two major entities that bear the Batten name. In 1999, he gave $60 million to the Darden School of Business to establish the Batten Institute, and then in 2007 gave $100 million — the largest gift in University history — to establish the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.
UVA Today will have a complete story later today.
At this afternoon’s opening convocation in Old Cabell Hall Auditorium, Tom Faulders of the Alumni Association announced some pretty astounding numbers:
During his welcoming remarks, President Casteen noted that — despite the recession — the $3 billion capital campaign has reached 64 percent of goal with 66 percent of the time elapsed. Only about two weeks behind schedule, he said.
He highlighted several initiatives that are proceeding, despite tighter budgets: the Jefferson Public Citizens track, the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and recently announced Arts Awards.
Casteen also noted the growth in the AccessUVA program. total need-based aid for undergrads has gone from $37 million in 2003-2004 to $59 million this year. And, the president added, in a tough economy, education is even more important.
C-Ville Weekly has a short Q&A with Harry Harding, introduced recently as the new dean of the Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy. He discusses his definition of leadership, his vision for the school, and why he thinks Thomas Jefferson would have been a major supporter.
The founding dean of the Frank Batten Sr. School of Leadership and Public Policy. He is Harry Harding, described as “one of America’s preeminent China scholars.” He comes to U.Va. after 10 years as dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. (See the official press release here.)
More after the break.
