Friday, Sept. 26, the College of William and Mary announced in a press release that Jane Batten HON ’17, L.H.D. ’17, L.H.D. ’19 will serve as the Homecoming Grand Marshal during homecoming weekend Oct. 16 to Oct. 19.
“The William & Mary Alumni Association will honor visionary philanthropist and honorary William & Mary alumna Jane Batten HON ’17, L.H.D. ’19 as this year’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend grand marshal,” the press release said. “She will lead the Homecoming Parade on Richmond Road on Friday, Oct. 17, at 4 p.m.”
Batten is one of the College’s most prolific donors in history, having most recently donated $100 million to establish the Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. FY 2024 saw $240 million in donations for the College, marking the highest ever donation year since the College’s founding in 1693.
The College emphasized her role in advancing coastal resilience and conservation efforts during the Year of the Environment, which propelled the Batten School into a leadership role for climate research in the state of Virginia.
“Her selection as grand marshal by the W&M Alumni Association Board of Directors comes as William & Mary celebrates the Year of the Environment, which focuses on the university’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and the communities that depend on its health and resilience,” the press release said.
Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and CEO of the W&M Alumni Association Matthew L. Brandon ’92 commented on Batten’s contributions to the College’s legacy and future societal impact.
“Even before her transformational gift for coastal and marine sciences, Jane Batten’s generosity was preparing our students to make a difference in the world as alumni,” Brandon said.
