The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia has received a $500,000 challenge gift to create the John and Betsy Casteen Jefferson Scholarship.  The challenge was announced by long time benefactor and former board member Eli Tullis during an event attended by President Casteen in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 29, 2010.

Tullis, Paul Tudor Jones, and Lee and Elizabeth Ainslie made the challenge gift as a way to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Casteen’s service to the University community and in particular the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.  When he was Director of Admissions at the University in 1979, Casteen was instrumental in creating the Jefferson Scholars Program.  Acknowledged as one of the programs’ “founding fathers,” he envisioned the program creating a cadre of leaders, whose intellectual promise and leadership potential would bring distinction to the University and enrich the experience for all students.  Casteen viewed the Foundation as a “central driver of change and excellence in the University.”

The challenge gift will provide a permanent legacy for the Casteens within the University’s student community and enable the Foundation to recruit outstanding students. Those who wish to honor President and Mrs. Casteen for their service are encouraged to support this initiative.