The University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is set to receive a transformative gift of $100 million from the Bill Gatton Foundation, marking the largest donation in the university's history and believed to be the largest to a college of agriculture in the United States. The generous contribution, subject to approval by the UK Board of Trustees, was made in honor of Gatton's parents, Edith Martin and Harry W. Gatton, Sr., resulting in the renaming of the college as the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Late UK alum and former trustee, Bill Gatton, who passed away in April 2022, was renowned for his philanthropy and unwavering support for his alma mater. A graduate of UK's College of Commerce, Gatton's successful career as a businessman, entrepreneur, and investor led him to make substantial contributions to various university initiatives. The recent gift to CAFE adds to his philanthropic legacy, following record-breaking donations to the Gatton College of Business and Economics, the UK Gatton Student Center, and scholarships for students in need.
UK President Eli Capilouto hailed the gift as transformative, emphasizing its profound impact on CAFE and the university's mission to advance Kentucky. Gatton's unparalleled commitment to supporting higher education reflects his vision for a healthier, wealthier, and wiser Kentucky. Nancy Cox, UK CAFE dean, expressed gratitude for the Gatton Foundation's confidence in the college's ability to accelerate its land-grant mission and serve the community.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will establish a task force comprising faculty and staff members to determine how the donation will be utilized to fulfill the Gatton Foundation's vision for scholarships, academic programs, infrastructure, and research.
Bill Gatton's agricultural roots and upbringing on a farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by both his parents' backgrounds in agriculture and banking, Gatton became a successful businessman while never losing sight of the transformative power of education.
This historic gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation stands as a testament to Gatton's unwavering belief in the University of Kentucky's potential to shape the future of the state. Gatton's friend and confidant, Mike Richey, acknowledged the significance of the donation and its fulfillment of Gatton's lifelong desire to make a philanthropic impact on agriculture in Kentucky through CAFE.
Photo Credit: Bill Gatton Foundation
Categories: Kentucky, Education