About The Campaign

Vision to Reality:
Planting the Seeds of Transformation

In a world where business leaders are called to address complex global challenges, Darden leads with purpose. In 2016, we shared Darden Worldwide 2026, a bold vision to bolster our mission and global stature. This vision has sparked innovation, attracted exceptional talent and championed best-in-class infrastructure.

These strategic pillars blossomed into the Powered by Purpose campaign, focused on:

• Faculty, Thought Leadership & Curricular Innovation

• Scholarships, Financial Aid & Student Experience

• Darden Grounds Master Plan, Technology & Innovation

• Darden Annual Fund

A Mission Rooted in People, Purpose and Progress

Launched publicly In 2019, the Powered by Purpose campaign embodies Darden’s ethos of empowering individuals, not just teaching business. We champion individuals as the sparks of innovation and success in the business world. The campaign aims to create an environment where individuals can grow, network and thrive. It places human needs at the forefront, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, it seeks to cultivate an inclusive global community, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in business.

Crowning Achievements:
Ahead of Schedule and Beyond Expectations

In 2023, the campaign achieved its first milestone two years ahead of the 30 June 2025 deadline, raising an unprecedented $406 million. This impressive achievement reflects the enduring commitment of the Darden community. With the inclusion of matching funds and those held outside of Darden, the total impact of the campaign stands at $505 million. What’s truly remarkable is the strong engagement from our alumni network: an astounding 70 percent of alumni actively participated in this transformative initiative. This deep-seated connection and active participation underscore the lasting bond our graduates share with Darden and each other.

Three Legacy Gifts

Three transformational gifts have been critically important to our success:

• Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63) & Marjorie R. Sands

In 2019, Sands Capital Management Founder Frank M. Sands Sr. (MBA ’63) & Marjorie R. Sands made a donation of $68 million, the largest in Darden’s history. This gift launched the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning, supports Darden’s world-class faculty and is transforming the Darden Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia — most notably with the construction of The Forum Hotel. With University matching funds, the total impact of this gift is $82 million. This donation empowers Darden to pioneer new approaches to lifelong learning, attract and nurture top-tier faculty, and provide students with state-of-the-art facilities.

• David C. Walentas (MBA ’64) & Jane Walentas

Also in 2019, visionary real estate developer David C. Walentas (MBA ’64) & Jane Walentas made a $100 million gift to the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. Of that gift, $38 million advances the Darden School in three ways: a new $25 million Walentas fellowship program for first-generation students; $8 million in additional funding for the existing Darden Jefferson Fellowship Program; and $5 million for a new Jefferson Scholars Foundation professorship in real estate. This generous contribution opens doors for students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend Darden, while also enriching the School’s academic offerings.

• David M. LaCross (MBA ’78) & Kathleen O. LaCross

In 2022, Risk Management Technology Founder David M. LaCross (MBA ’78) & Kathleen O. LaCross invested $44 million in Darden. This gift funds a future Darden research center or initiative on artificial intelligence, endows and names the dean’s chair at Darden, provides seed funding to catalyze the construction of on-Grounds residential housing at Darden and names the botanical gardens at Darden. With $6 million in matching funds from the University, the total impact of the gift to Darden is $50 million. This investment positions Darden at the forefront of AI research, enhances the School’s leadership, and enriches the on-Grounds experience for students and faculty alike.

Transformative Impact:
More Than Just Funding

These transformational gifts are not just about the funding. They are about investing in individuals, creating spaces for growth, prioritizing well-being and building community.

As a whole, the campaign has also dramatically increased scholarship funds, ensuring that promising applicants never have to turn down Darden due to financial constraints. It has supported the recruitment of dozens of new faculty members, ensuring that Darden’s tradition of faculty excellence continues. And it has encouraged unrestricted giving to Darden, allowing the School’s leadership to quickly allocate resources to emerging priorities.

A Future Full of Promise

Reflecting on the Powered by Purpose campaign through its first four years, we see a story of transformation, vision and purpose. We see a campaign that has not just met its first milestone but exceeded it. And we see a campaign that is still ongoing, still growing and still transforming the world of business education.

The seed planted in 2019 has grown into a mighty tree, its branches reaching out to touch the lives of students, faculty and the global business community. As we look to the future, we anticipate the continued impact of Powered by Purpose as it nurtures the Darden community.