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The Bill Gatton Foundation Named 2025 Benefactor of the Year at UVA Wise

Dedra Duty
Lewey Lee, Chancellor Henry, members of The Bill Gatton Foundation, Rhonda Perkins, Valerie Lawson

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) proudly announced The Bill Gatton Foundation as its 2025 Benefactor of the Year, honoring the foundation’s extraordinary generosity toward the College.

In November 2024, UVA Wise publicly celebrated a transformative $11.2 million gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation, the largest single gift in the College’s history. Coupled with matching funds from the University of Virginia’s Bicentennial Scholars program, the total impact of the gift will reach $15.7 million, ensuring a legacy of opportunity for generations of students to come.

“This gift is truly transformative,” said UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry. “Every future student at the College will benefit from Mr. Gatton’s legacy of generosity and the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to education. We are honored to recognize The Bill Gatton Foundation as Benefactor of the Year.”

The Bill Gatton Foundation was established to continue the legacy of Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who dedicated his life to supporting educational access, healthcare and community growth across Kentucky, Upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. 

Because of the foundation’s generosity, and the commitment of alumni and friends, UVA Wise achieved a record-breaking fundraising year in 2024, receiving $22.1 million in gifts, a 177% increase from the previous fiscal year. 

At the College’s annual Benefactors celebration The Bill Gatton Foundation trustees, Danny Dunn and Rob Peel, were honored. Both leaders are committed to ensuring his legacy of service and giving endures through the foundation’s ongoing philanthropic work.

“Mr. Gatton has built a lot of bridges for people through education. This contribution that Rob and I were so privileged to help make happen will build a lot of bridges for these youth and for youth that follow them to get the education they need and that they desire,” says Danny Dunn of the Bill Gatton Foundation. 

“The Bill Gatton Foundation exemplifies the impact one life of generosity can have on countless others,” says Valerie Lawson, vice chancellor for advancement and alumni engagement. “Mr. Gatton’s commitment to higher education and opportunity will forever shape UVA Wise and the future of our students.”