James W. Todd, an alumnus of the Darden School, pledged $1 million to his alma mater during his 35th class reunion.
Todd directed his pledge to support case-method research and the Batten Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Elaine Ruggieri, Darden School Public Relations Director, explained that case studies are the main learning tool of the Darden curriculum.
Ruggieri said that one of the up-and-coming components of case research included multimedia cases.
Todd's donation will help cultivate the multimedia resources.
"Mr. Todd's most generous gift will be matched by the Batten family and used to create and develop the next generation of Darden teaching materials (incorporating digital media technology)," said Batten Center Executive Director Dr. Wendell E. Dunn III.
"Harvard is, I believe, the one other American business school which relies exclusively on case studies," Dunn said.
"It's an exciting way to learn," Ruggieri said. "That's what Jim [Todd] is devoted to-making a lively classroom experience."
Dunn said "the technology will be made available to schools around the world."
The school's campaign, part of the University's $1 billion Capital Campaign, has received more than $120 million in gifts and pledges, beyond its original $100 million goal.
The Batten Center was founded in 1996 through a gift from the Frank Batten family of Norfolk, Va. It focuses on how value and wealth are created in business and society.
Ruggieri said Todd's donation will enhance the Darden School's reputation.
"The more funds we have as to develop both multimedia and regular case studies gives us more distinction as a producer in the business world," she said.
A double Wahoo, Todd earned his bachelor's degree from the Commerce School in 1960 and went on to receive a master's in business administration from the Darden School in 1964.
During his time at Darden, Todd was elected to the Raven Society and Omicron Delta Kappa. Additionally, he became president of the student body.
Todd has been a real estate developer in the United States and Canada for the past 25 years. He served terms as president of three companies: Gulf Reston, Mobil Land Development Corp., and The Peterson Companies, where he currently works.
Todd is currently a board member of both the Johns Hopkins University Real Estate Institute and the University of Virginia Foundation.
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