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The Philanthropy 50: Americans Who Gave the Most in 2008
Frank Sr. and Jane Batten
Rank: 23
Total amount committed in 2008: $93-million
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Source of wealth: Media and entertainment
Other key beneficiaries: Hollins University, Slover Library Foundation
Donors' background: Mr. Batten is founder of Landmark Communications, now known as Landmark Media Enterprises, in Virginia Beach, Va.
Mr. Batten, 81, and his wife, Jane, pledged up to $70-million to Culver Academies, a complex of private schools and camps in Culver, Ind. The first part of the gift includes $20-million that has already been paid to create an endowment that will be used to support salaries and professional development of staff members at the secondary school. The second part of the gift is a commitment to match donations up to a cumulative total of $50-million to the school's endowment. Mr. Batten, who graduated from Culver in 1945, serves as a trustee emeritus of the Culver Educational Foundation.
Mr. Batten also gave $20-million to the Slover Library Foundation, in Norfolk, Va., to help the city build a $50-million library. Construction of the library, which will be named for Mr. Batten's uncle, Col. Samuel L. Slover, is scheduled to begin in 2010, with its opening scheduled for 2012.
In addition, Mr. and Ms. Batten gave $3-million to Hollins University, in Roanoke, Va., to endow a leadership institute bearing the couple's name to support programs for women at the school. Mr. Batten's mother attended the university, as did his wife.
Mr. Batten received his bachelor's degree in economics in 1950 from the University of Virginia, and his master's degree in business administration in 1952 from Harvard University.
About These Data
The giving figures listed for each individual are based on donations announced to date by the donors or their beneficiaries. In cases of bequests, most of the figures are estimates because the wills have not been settled. For news of gift announcements in 2009, visit the America's Top Donors database.
If you know about a recent gift of $1-million or more that should be added to this directory, please send a message to gifts@philanthropy.com.