UVA Darden Receives Historic $68 Million Gift

Last week, UVA Darden announced Sands Capital Management Founder Frank M. Sands Sr.’s new gift of $68 million – the largest gift in the business school’s 64-year history. Sands, a Darden MBA-holder (class of 1963), says: â€Å"The Darden School was a transformational experience for me, and I am an ardent supporter of its mission and values. I am a big believer in lifelong learning, and that learning is enabled by great faculty. I hope this gift will inspire others to give and hope that the school will continue to be a true force for good in the free markets and broader world.† The impact of the gift In addition to Sands’ historic gift, the university also issued a $14 million matching fund, delivering total monetary impact of $82 million. The combined efforts will be used towards: Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning – A $20 million endowment will be used to promote innovation through the new Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning, catering to degree and non-degree Darden students, both in-person and online. Sands Professorship Fund – This fund is comprised of a $21 million donation from Sands plus the school’s $14 million in matching funds and will support 12 new faculty chairs â€Å"to bolster excellence and innovation in pedagogy and engagement with practice.† UVA Inn at Darden and Conference Center for Lifelong Learning – $20 million will go towards this 199-room hotel, conference center, and 5-acre arboretum. C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall – A $7 million fund will enable the renovation of this new building, honoring Dean Emeritus C. Ray Smith who mentored Sands. According to UVA President Jim Ryan, â€Å"Frank M. Sands Sr. and his family are helping propel Darden forward as we enter our third century. This historically generous gift will allow Darden to reach even more students and continue to lead the way in global business education. I am incredibly grateful to Frank and the entire Sands family for their vision and generosity.† Are you applying to UVA Darden or any other top MBA program? Check out our catalog of MBA services to learn more about how we can help you GET ACCEPTED. For 25 years, Accepted has helped business school applicants gain acceptance to top programs. Our outstanding team of MBA admissions consultants features former business school admissions directors and professional writers who have guided our clients to admission at top MBA, EMBA, and other graduate business programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, London Business School, and many more.  Want an MBA admissions expert  to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ UVA Darden MBA Essay Tips Deadlines †¢ What’s Life Like as a Darden MBA and Entrepreneur?, a podcast episode †¢ Darden MBA with Media Aspirations, a student interview