Giving
Tribute Develop men t News at M i a m i Un i v er si t y
Issue 21 // Fall 2014 • ForLoveandHonor.org
In this issue
Scholarship Honors Family Connections Ridenour Family Scholarship supports Northwest Ohio students
The Miami Promise S C H OLARS H IP C AMPAI G N
Miami’s $100 million promise to future Miami students and their families Pag e 2
Page 3
Class of 2014 Endows Scholarship Matching gift challenge adds momentum to Senior Class Gift effort Page 4
McVey Gift Honors Miami Experience 1981 alumnus creates Farmer School and Miami Golf scholarships. Page 6
Day of Giving Moves Miami More than 3,200 donors contribute during move-in day campaign Page 8
Gift Strengthens Career Services at Miami Gary Killian ’81 emphasizes importance of career services to college experience Page 9
Miami University: Equal opportunity in education and employment. Produced by University Advancement 5K/12/14/POST
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Miami announces $100 million scholarship campaign
Miami Announces Matching Gift Programs As a demonstration of its own
Five-year fundraising effort to help bridge financial gap for families
commitment to the Miami Promise Scholarship Campaign, the university has introduced three matching gift programs, encouraging donors to create new endowed and four-year
For Devante Johnson, a junior electrical engineering major from Dayton, Ohio, the scholarship support that drew
“Scholarships are opportunity—the opportunity to attend and excel at Miami University—and our students are deserving of those life-changing opportunities,” Miami President David Hodge said. “By raising $100
him to Miami University is about more
million in new scholarship support, this campaign
than dollars and cents or even just the
demonstrates our commitment to affordable excellence
opportunity to attend college.
and ensuring a Miami education
“We have achieved considerable
remains within reach of bright,
expendable recruitment scholarships. Match the Promise—Endowed: Offers an eight-year university match that allows a permanent endowed scholarship to be awarded immediately while its principal grows unimpeded over the first four years.
hard-working students and
Match the Promise—Immediate
their families.”
Impact: Supports four-year
me freedom—freedom to
and friends in the support of current
individual donors and students. Miami
take advantage of all the
While Miami seeks support
and future Miami students. We are
for all types of scholarships, it
offers a $1 match on every $2 invested
excited by the enthusiastic donor
is prioritizing scholarships for
by the donor.
response to the challenge of ensuring
placed particular emphasis on
“My scholarship has given
incredible opportunities Miami has given me, freedom to enjoy my college experience both academically and socially,” Johnson said. “Every student deserves the freedom of a
momentum by involving our alumni
that the promise of a Miami education remains within reach of all families.”
college experience that helps
—Tom Herbert, Vice President for
them discover who they
University Advancement
can become.”
In an effort to inspire more stories like Johnson’s, Miami has announced a five-year, $100 million scholarship initiative. The Miami Promise Scholarship Campaign seeks to involve alumni and friends in bridging the financial gaps faced by today’s college-bound students and their families.
need, merit and diversity and has recruitment scholarships. Offered to prospective students as part of their financial assistance packages, recruitment scholarships remain with students throughout their connect donors and students.
Scholarship Society: Supports fouryear expendable scholarships for Miami’s varsity student-athletes. Miami offers a $1 match on every $2 invested by the donor, with options available at in-state and out-of-state levels. To learn more about the Miami Promise Scholarship Campaign, visit
“The most meaningful way we can offset the financial
ForLoveandHonor.org/MiamiPromise
obstacles faced by families is by growing the level of
or contact the Miami University Office
private scholarship support we have available to meet
of Development at 513-529-1230 or
that need,” said Michael Kabbaz, vice president for
MUDevelopment@MiamiOH.edu.
enrollment management and student success. “Four years at Miami can and does change lives, and those who help ensure those opportunities for generations to come.”
ForLoveandHonor.org
Forever and a Day Athletic
college careers and directly
support the Miami Promise Scholarship Campaign will
2
expendable scholarships that connect
The Ridenour Family (from left): Trent, Karen ’82, Mark ’82, Megan ’14, Stephanie ’09, Kevin Keplesky (Stephanie’s fiancé), Lauren ’11 and Andrew Shuneson ’11 (Lauren’s fiancé).
t h e miami p r o mise
Ridenour Scholarship to Support Northwest Ohio Students Miami Merger honors family’s extensive Miami ties For Mark ’82 and Karen Shurmer Ridenour ’82, a Miami Merger that has sent three daughters on to
“All of us who have had the fortune of attending
As parents to Miami graduates Stephanie ’09,
Miami and leading successful careers should
Lauren ’11 and Megan ’14, their connection to the
consider giving back to help make those
university only grew.
opportunities possible for those who follow,” Mark
alma mater, the Miami Experience is
said. “The Miami Promise Scholarship Campaign
something not only to be treasured
and Match the Promise initiatives are strong
but also to be shared.
statements of Miami’s commitment to supporting student scholarships.”
The Sylvania, Ohio, residents recently lent early momentum to the Miami Promise Scholarship
“Obviously things changed in Oxford between the time when we attended and when our daughters attended, but it remains that quintessential college campus on a hill with great educational opportunities and people at all levels,” Mark said. Mark is executive vice president and CFO of
Campaign by endowing the Ridenour Family
“We have tried to teach our children
Scholarship in support of students from Northwest
the importance of being charitable and
Ohio who demonstrate financial need. According
helping where they can. Our hope is
Ohio Citizens Bank and Ameritrust before raising
was both practical and based on a sense of
that when they are in a position to give
community pride.
schools, hospitals and non-profits throughout
back they will also contribute to the
Northwest Ohio.
“Putting four children through college has certainly
scholarship and open even more doors
made us aware of the cost of education,” Karen said.
The Ridenour Family Scholarship is a tribute to
to students who want to study hard and
Mark, Karen and their daughters as well as nine
to Karen, the decision to create the scholarship
“We are also proud of Northwest Ohio and know there are many qualified young people who struggle to afford the excellent campus experience and education that Miami offers.”
open themselves to new possibilities.” –Karen Shurmer Ridenour ’82
The Ridenours’ scholarship received an additional
Heidtman Steel Products. Both he and Karen, who began her career with Continental Illinois Bank, the couple’s four children, are active in serving
other family members with Miami ties. It also celebrates the family’s Miami Greek experiences that have resulted in life-long friendships and extended Miami families. Through creating a family scholarship, Mark and
boost through Miami’s Match the Promise
Mark and Karen have come to know Miami from a
endowment program—an eight-year university
variety of angles—as students and alumni, parents,
matching program that allows new scholarships
and now from Mark’s perspective as a member of
at $50,000 and above to begin being awarded
Miami’s Board of Trustees. They both earned finance
immediately and which permits the endowment’s
degrees while at Miami, and their first date was to
principal to grow unimpeded over its first four years.
Miami’s 1982 Charter Day Ball.
Karen celebrate a powerful connection. “We created a family scholarship because we are a family as Miami is a ‘family,’” Karen said.
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Class of 2014 leaves lasting legacy through class scholarship Miami’s newest alumni set a new standard For Ciera Pope ’14 and classmates from Miami University’s recently graduated Class of 2014 it was
University’s Match the Promise program, which
for us to show just how important we believe
allows the scholarship to be awarded while the
scholarship support is to the continued success of
endowment’s principal grows unimpeded over its
the university and just how important our newest
first four years.
alumni are to supporting that effort.”
important to leave something behind before they set out
“With the help of donors, I was able to spend
into the world.
my 3.7 years at Miami, earn an amazing
In a record-breaking effort, the class—backed
education and enjoy an unforgettable
by a $25,000 matching gift from members of
experience. I was proud to share that story with
Miami’s Foundation Board—became the first Miami class to endow its class scholarship
my classmates and to join them in donating so
before graduation.
others can have that same experience.”
“It was amazing the way we were able to exceed our goal in record-breaking time,” said Pope, a scholarship recipient who served as vice president of Senior Class Gift. “The Foundation Board’s decision to match our effort really excited our classmates and made a statement about how great and worthy the cause was.” In all, the class attained 33 percent participation and raised more than $41,000 before the match. The Class of 2014 Scholarship will be awarded for the first time next fall and will benefit from Miami
$ 378,000 Dollars awarded to Miami students through the class scholarship program last year.
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“Miami is working to remain as affordable as possible for families, and scholarships are critical to that,” Killian said. “Class scholarships are a great way for donors at all levels to impact Miami’s greatest need, and that impact is significant.” Members of the Foundation Board and Board of Trustees are already committed to supporting future Senior Class Gift campaigns with matching gifts. According to Pope, it is an
–Ciera Pope ’14 According to Gary Killian ’81, former president of the Miami Foundation Board, the board supported the Senior Class Gift effort for several reasons. “We wanted to add momentum and enthusiasm to the Senior Class Gift campaign, but we also wanted to show students that the alumni and parents comprising the Foundation Board were committed
invaluable investment. “When I applied, I knew Miami was an amazing school, but I didn’t know how I could afford it,” Pope said. “With the help of donors I was able to spend 3.7 years at Miami, earn an amazing education and enjoy an unforgettable experience. I was proud to share that story with my classmates and to join them in donating so others can have that same experience.”
to their success,” Killian said. “It was an opportunity
211 Number of Miami students impacted by class scholarships in 2012-2013.
$ 220 Average class scholarship gift over the past decade, which has had a collective impact of more than $3.3 million.
l i v es t r ans f o r med
Read full versions of these and other student impact stories at ForLoveandHonor.org/Impact.
When Devante Johnson’s Miami University
grandfather’s television repair shop—he is grateful
financial aid package arrived, it not only meant
that his college experience extends beyond the
the opportunity to attend college, it also meant the
classroom and lab.
freedom to get the most from his college experience. Johnson is a member of the College of Engineering
“I’ve been given this incredible active learning experience, where I’m learning within social environments and being able
and Computing’s Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute,
“Six years ago, I wouldn’t have believed
the president of
I could be at a place like Miami. It’s
the Delta Upsilon
opened a whole new world to me.”
Chapter of Alpha
Inc., and the vice president of Miami’s Gentlemen
Junior
in my field and students from different backgrounds,” Johnson said. Johnson, who is interested
Phi Alpha Fraternity
Devante Johnson
to interact with professionals
of Distinguished Character organization. While he is passionate about his electrical engineering
in the environment and sustainable energy, sees it as his duty to share his talents and resources for the benefit of others, much like those who helped make
major—an interest he developed while helping in his
his scholarship possible.
When Aisha Ouattara was looking into colleges as
Miami’s campus life through an overnight stay with
a high school senior, the first-generation American
a host student. Bridges students are also offered
had more questions than answers.
scholarships to attend Miami.
“We moved to Cincinnati during my senior year
“I was so nervous, but everyone was so genuinely
of high school, so I didn’t know anything about
kind and enthusiastic to show off what Miami
colleges in Ohio,” Ouattara said. “It was a high
had to offer,” Ouattara said. “There were so many
Electrical Engineering Dayton, Ohio
organizations, majors and ways
school guidance counselor
“Because someone made the effort
for students to get involved
I was looking for and
to believe in me and help me, my
that really appealed to me.”
who recommended the
dreams are becoming a reality.”
who suggested that Miami would have more of what
Bridges program.”
and practice leadership, and
For Ouattara, the scholarship support was equally
A program for high school seniors with a
important. In addition to her international studies
commitment to and appreciation for diversity,
major and French and anthropology minors, she
Junior
Bridges accepts students based on essay
works 10 hours a week to pay for her books and
International Studies
submissions. Selected students then experience
other expenses.
Even in the midst of a conversation with friends,
Miami had a highly ranked interior design program,
Lindsey Pappalardo can suddenly find herself lost in
and it really was perfect.”
Aisha Ouattara
Cincinnati
the aesthetics of her surroundings. And, while accompanying her older brother on a
“It’s nice that there are people out
Miami college visit, it was
there who recognize students who
one of those moments that
really want an education and are
swept the then-high school sophomore away and drew
willing to work hard for it.”
her heart immediately and forever to “the most beautiful college that
Lindsey Pappalardo
It has been an ideal match for Pappalardo. Though the hours (and hours) of studio time devoted to her major afford her little free time, she says it is a small price to pay.
“Every moment is worth it,” Pappalardo said.
ever there was.”
“I’m doing what I love—using my hands, drawing,
“I remember turning to my mom and saying ‘I have
have the opportunity to study something I really
to go here,’” Pappalardo recalled. “Then I found that
enjoy with classmates who are like family.”
thinking, creating. I consider myself fortunate to
Sophomore Interior Design Downer’s Grove, Ill.
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McVey scholarships honor well-rounded Miami Experience 1981 graduate creates scholarships for Farmer School and Miami Golf While he has gone far in the world of finance, rising to founder and CEO of a groundbreaking company, Richard “Rick” McVey ’81 has never forgotten the important role that Miami University played in contributing to the traits and skills that enabled his success. McVey recently returned that favor to future generations by contributing $240,000 to create two new Miami scholarships—the Richard McVey Farmer School of Business Scholarship and the Richard McVey Golf Scholarship. “My experience at Miami was the perfect combination of academic, athletic and personal
McVey (second from left) with Miami’s 1981 MidAmerican Conference men’s golf champions.
development,” McVey reflected. The CEO of MarketAxess, which operates a patented electronic trading platform, McVey is also the parent of a recent Miami graduate, Taylor ’11, and a member of the Miami University Foundation Board. At Miami, McVey enjoyed a journey of personal growth that was supported and enhanced by the people around him. “The quality and diversity of people in the Miami community create a unique opportunity for personal and social development,” McVey said. “In any
aspect of Miami life, you learn to operate in a team
North America Fixed Income Fund sales in New
environment.”
York City. He started MarketAxess in 2000 with J.P.
As a varsity golf letterwinner, McVey went from not making the team as a freshman to serving as
Both scholarships count toward the Miami Promise
a co-captain and helping lead the team to a Mid-
Scholarship Campaign and qualify for Miami’s
American Conference championship as a senior.
Match the Promise program.
After earning his MBA from Indiana University,
“I feel great about giving back to Miami so other
McVey worked his way from trading futures for
students have the same opportunities I did,”
a Cleveland-based regional bank to serving as
McVey said. “I’m a believer in education for the
an institutional futures broker on the Chicago
advancement of individuals and our society,
Mercantile Exchange. J.P. Morgan, one of his clients,
and scholarships make a big difference for many
eventually hired him to run the company’s Chicago
worthy students.”
futures business and later promoted him to lead
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Morgan as its first investor.
A r o u nd M i am i
President’s address focuses on missions of Oxford and regional campuses On Sept. 3, Miami University President David Hodge
“Ultimately our success is not
delivered his annual address, “The Miami Mission: Our Compass in a Fluid World,” to members of the
judged by who we are—though that
Miami community.
matters—but by what we do, and in
In his message, President Hodge emphasizes the importance
a bigger sense, what our graduates
of seizing new opportunities in a changing world while staying
do. Our primary mission is to
true to the five core themes of the university’s mission. In
prepare graduates who can and
particular, he examines the differing yet complementary strengths of Miami’s Oxford and regional campuses.
will impact the world.”
To view a full transcript of his remarks, visit MiamiOH.edu/
–President David C. Hodge
President/reports-speeches.
life that contribute to student success, the Miami Division of Enrollment Management and Student
One-Stop for Student Success Services and other areas in coordinating retention and student success initiatives university-wide. Michael Kabbaz, former associate vice present for enrollment management, is the division’s first vice president. As a next step in this effort, President David Hodge appointed a new student success committee in October that is charged with “aggressively evaluating current practices and policies in light of best practices.”
No. 1
$1 million from Ben Roethlisberger ’12 for the Indoor Sports Center $360,000 from Gary ’81 and Julie Killian for Office of Career Services $350,000 from Gail Rumble ’58 for a scholarship for the College of Education, Health and Society
$200,000 from John ’76 and Beverly ’76 Egbert for scholarships
University Board of Trustees approved a new
admission, financial assistance, bursar, registrar,
$1 million from John Hoxland White ’58 for University Libraries
$200,000 from Richard ’68 and Lorry ’68 Blath for the Mallory-Wilson Center and a College of Arts and Science scholarship
In an effort to unite the components of student
The division brings together the offices of
Among the most recent major-gift commitments to Miami University are the following:
$240,000 from Richard McVey ’81 for Farmer School of Business and men’s golf scholarships
Miami announces new division
Success during its June meeting.
Commitment Update
Class of 2018 raises the bar Following a record number of applications, 25,302, the entering Class of 2018 touts an average ACT score of 27.7—the highest in university history. Of this year’s approximately 3,600-member class, 29 percent scored a 30 or higher on the ACT and 38 percent scored a 29 or higher. Thirty-four percent of the class, which hails from 39 states and 33 countries, graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school classes.
No. 8
Miami’s ranking among public universities for commitment to undergraduate teaching.
The Farmer School of Business’ ranking among public universities nationally.
—U.S. News & World Report
—Bloomberg Businessweek
$150,000 from the Richard Fasenmyer Foundation and Walt ’57 and Sheila ’58 Collins for a scholarship for the Farmer School of Business $100,000 from Jim ’74 and Carol ’74 Phillips for a scholarship for the College of Engineering and Computing A generous gift from G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers for intercollegiate athletics A generous gift from Mitch and Debby Steenrod for The Brandon Alan Hall Memorial Scholarship supporting military veterans, ROTC students or children of military veterans A generous bequest from Donald Watson ’67 for a scholarship for veterans, active service members, and ROTC students A generous estate gift from Sally Wells ’53 for a scholarship for the College of Arts and Science
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ann u a l giving
Chuck ’61 & Berta Wiggins Pettis ’61 While Miami
Red Brick Society Profile
University has known many great ambassadors,
Chuck Pettis ’61 has the privilege of saying he was recruited to Miami by one of the very best. As a high school junior in western New York, Chuck and his classmates received a visit from the late John Dolibois ’42, who was trying to interest out-of-state students in Miami. Dolibois later
Historic fundraising day “moves” Miami Day of giving campaign involves more than 3,200 donors
arranged a campus visit for Chuck, and by the time it was over, Chuck applied to only one college and convinced Berta, his high school sweetheart, to join him. More than 53 years since their graduation,
What a difference a day makes. As Miami University’s first-year Class of 2018 moved to campus on Aug. 21, the university
“I remember what
community—alumni, parents, friends, faculty
accounted for about 10 percent of the donor participation we see in a typical year.” Throughout the 20-hour and 18-minute
their support for the entering class and future
campaign, donors surpassed four milestones and unlocked more than $160,000 in matching
Miami did for me ...
remains grateful for
how it changed me
generations of Miami students.
mentors and for
and gave me that
The #MoveInMiami day of giving campaign, a
the lifelong Miami
confidence to succeed.”
participation-driven effort that sought to involve
friendships. They
than 3,200 alumni and friends who made gifts
and staff—came together in a big way to show
the Miami Merger the strong faculty-
a fun day that had a major impact. The more
2,018 donors in support of the Class of 2018,
gifts. Alumni and friends also were encouraged to spread the word and share their own Miami stories via social media using #MoveInMiami.
brought together 3,257 donors from around the
“It was a great way to reconnect our alumni to
globe and raised more than $506,000 in support
their own move-in day memories and connect
success in life.
of the university.
them with today’s students,” said Emily Berry
“I appreciated the rigor of the academics,” Chuck
“It was exciting watching the #MoveInMiami
also credit Miami as a foundation for their
–Chuck Pettis ’61
said. “I graduated with the confidence that if I could succeed at Miami, I could be a success in the world of business.”
buzz spread both throughout social media and across campus,” said Brad Bundy HA ’13, senior associate vice president for development. “It was
’01 MA ’11, director of annual giving. “We were especially pleased by the response of our young alumni, who accounted for 44 percent of our total donor support.”
In addition to Chuck serving as inductor for the annual Hughes Society luncheon, the couple has loyally supported Miami’s annual fund since graduation—both out of gratitude for their experience and the need to continue those opportunities for future students.
26% Percentage of #MoveInMiami donors making their first gift.
$83 Average #MoveInMiami gift.
“Miami has been an important part of our lives,” Berta said. “We’ve got a Miami flag out front and a license plate that reads M1809U. We’re proud of where we went to school.” The Red Brick Society includes donors who have made a gift every year since graduation or donors who have given in at least 25 consecutive years.
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20 & 90 Ages of youngest and oldest #MoveInMiami donors.
MoveInMiami.org Visit online to relive #MoveInMiami, including social media posts from participating alumni and friends.
Fea t u r ed P r o g r am
Killian gift supports Miami Office of Career Services Alumnus acknowledges life-long impact of career services To truly appreciate something is to want to make it better for the next generation, and Gary M. Killian
tapping into that resource during their first year on campus. According to Michael
’81 wants the very best for Miami
Goldman, director
University and its students.
of career services at
Killian and his wife, Julia, recently established an
increasingly important.
endowment of more than $360,000 in support of Miami’s Office of Career Services. The intent is to enhance the office’s value to the university’s overall college experience and to support successful career
Miami, this has become
“A career community that includes an expanded early career
Miami’s reputation attracts employers to campus for four-times more interviews than at other similar sized universities, and 70 percent of Miami students will have at least one internship before they graduate.
and postgraduate placements for Miami students.
exploration program
“It’s incumbent on us to support students’
evaluate their strengths
professional development with a quality career
and interests and match
discovering their interests; investigating the
services organization. College is a large investment,
them with academic majors and career decisions,”
related opportunities; experiencing a field through
and families are looking to colleges and universities
Goldman said. “A self-directed career decision that
coursework, networking, internships and work;
to demonstrate pragmatic and positive outcomes,”
is an outlet for a student’s passion is the very best
and achieving a desired career or admittance to a
Killian said. “Miami is doing a good job
career outcome.”
graduate or professional school.
allows students to
differentiating its students in their job searches, but Career Services needs to be more mission-critical.” A retired managing director at Lehman Brothers who headed the municipal finance and global infrastructure divisions, Killian earned degrees in
“Good career guidance provides so much long-term value in terms of finding the right career fit and learning
Killian sees the resources and training provided by Career Services as an important investment in students that extends far beyond landing that first job and has an overall university impact.
finance and economics from Miami and was active
how to network, interview and use
“Good career guidance provides so much long-
in Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He remembers a
technology to market yourself.”
and learning how to network, interview and use
positive college experience that was academically challenging and which surrounded him with competitive and hard-working peers. Killian believes an emphasis on career services is the next leap in the evolution from the more traditional education he received, and he wants to see students
–Gary Killian ’81
term value in terms of finding the right career fit technology to market yourself,” Killian said. “By funding it in a bigger way, you not only provide students that lifetime of value, you’re also supporting
Miami’s Office of Career Services seeks to guide students through a four-step process of
the positive career outcomes that enhance Miami’s reputation.”
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Gift P l ann i n g
Sally Wells ’53 A long-time
Miami back then was like getting a scholarship
Bequests leave profound, enduring impact on students
because it didn’t cost very much. Obviously the cost
Sarah Duncan ’15 never met
brice Society Profile
fundraiser from Washington, D.C., who is retired in
name only, Sally Wells ’53 recently announced a significant estate gift that is creating the need-based Sally Wells College of Arts and Science Scholarship. “I went to Miami partially because it was what my family could afford,” Wells recalled. “Going to
of higher education today is not the same, but I believe that good, serious
“It was exciting to put Miami in my will and
Raymond W. Flodin MEd ’63 but she owes him more than she can
a level greater than the benefactor thinks possible. Because bequests and trust provisions are simple to establish, offer the flexibility for individuals to change their minds, and may provide estate tax
ever express.
relief, they have almost universal appeal.
create a scholarship
Duncan was one of an inaugural class of
While it is encouraged to work with legal counsel
seven Miami honors students awarded a
while including Miami in estate plans, it is also
should have that
for students who need
$5,000 Raymond W.
opportunity.”
financial help.”
students who have
even more exciting to
need and a real desire to go to Miami
Wells’ experiences have ranged from running a TV food commercial company in New York City, to serving the Peace Corps in Guatemala, contributing to the War on Poverty in West Virginia and engaging donors in support of public television/radio and later The Wilderness Society. Her passion for people and
Flodin Scholarship. The
important to involve Miami’s
While it is encouraged to
Office of Gift Planning.
academic merit and service
work with legal counsel
“By working directly with
to the community, was
while including Miami
Miami University in drafting
scholarship, based on
the result of a $1.6 million bequest from Flodin, a
in estate plans, it is also
your will or including Miami in testamentary plans, we can
retired elementary school
important to involve Miami’s
provide assistance and ensure
principal who died in 2011.
Office of Gift Planning.
out exactly as you intend,”
that your wishes are carried
good causes continues to keep her active with
For Duncan, an aspiring
non-profits.
teacher who counts service in the community
senior director of gift planning. “We are here to
among the most important contributors to
offer support to alumni and friends at all stages,
her education, Flodin’s vision in establishing
whether that’s identifying the best gift planning
the bequest has supported experiences and
vehicle or providing the proper legal language for
opportunities that will last a lifetime.
establishing a gift bequest.”
“I don’t get paid for volunteering in the
All Miami alumni and friends who have made
community, but I still need money for college,”
arrangements to include Miami in their will are
Duncan said. “It means everything to me to have
also automatically qualified for membership in the
some of that burden alleviated. Mr. Flodin’s
Calvin S. Brice Society.
A long-time donor to Miami, Wells saw an IRA provision in her estate plans as a way to leave a meaningful impact to future Miamians. “An IRA was a very simple way to give,” Wells said. “You can change it anytime you want, you can give more or less if you want, it offers great tax advantages, and all you have to do is let whomever is managing your IRA know your intentions. I’m very happy to have done this.”
thoughtfulness and the incredible Miami education I’m getting have made all the difference in my life.”
The Calvin S. Brice Society was established to recognize Miami University alumni and friends who provide visionary support to the university through their estate plans.
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said Jayne Whitehead HA ’06,
Bequests and other testamentary gifts profoundly shape the experiences of Miami students—often at
To learn more about Miami’s Office of Gift Planning, contact Jayne Whitehead HA ’06, senior director of development for gift planning, at 513529-5223 or jayne.whitehead@MiamiOH.edu.
t h e miami p r o mise
Steenrod Gift creates scholarship for undergraduates with military service Brandon Alan Hall Memorial Scholarship honors military veteran Brandon Alan Hall never attended Miami University, but a scholarship created in his memory is ensuring
stationed stateside, he served as active duty USAF Honor Guard, demonstrating his great respect for the military
generations of young men and
service members who passed
women who share his pride in and
before him. He died in 2012 at
commitment to the U.S. military will receive the opportunity he never had. Mitch and Debby Steenrod, Brandon’s parents, established the Brandon Alan Hall Memorial Scholarship to enable individuals affiliated with the U.S. military to pursue success and happiness by virtue of a Miami education. It is directed toward active duty/retired U.S. military, the children of active duty U.S. military or active members of Miami’s ROTC programs.
Brandon,” Debby said. “I think he’d be pleased knowing that this scholarship carrying his name will help people connected to the military who need and deserve support. Our hope is that they will pour their hearts and souls into their education like he poured his heart and soul into doing what he thought was right for the country.”
to serve his country, spent six years in the U.S. Air Force (USAF). Among his four separate deployments to the Middle East, Hall served two at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan during periods of intense military activity. While
Susan E. Naus ’67 (President) Indianapolis, Ind. Bruce R. Henke ’72 (Vice President) Holmes Beach, Fla. Ellen Schubert ’83 (Treasurer) Old Greenwich, Conn. Charles Landes ’74 (Secretary) Cincinnati, Ohio
Miami originated with their daughter, Katie Steenrod ’14, and their service on the Miami Parents Council. Originally drawn to Miami by the safe college environment, academic reputation and commitment to graduating students in four
Brandon Alan Hall and Katie Steenrod ’14
family chose to honor Brandon’s memory with a
deeply human side of Miami’s
Miami scholarship.
commitment when tragedy struck. “Brandon passed during Katie’s finals week, and the faculty and staff at Miami were incredible,” Mitch said. “They got with her and helped her right away, and the understanding was incredible. There was no pressure on her regarding finals or anything else, only heartfelt support.”
Hall, who turned down college football scholarships
By Election
The Steenrods’ connection to
years, the family experienced a
“We never got to pay for a college education for
Miami University Foundation Board of Directors 2015
the age of 26.
communications last spring, and out of appreciation for Miami’s commitment to her success, the fond connection shared by Katie and Brandon, and Mitch and Debby’s experience on the Parents Council, the
Richard McVey ’81 Greenwich, Conn.
Dr. Richard Chaifetz Lake Forest, Ill.
Beth Mynhier ’82 Lake Forest, Ill.
James Chapman ’72 Powell, Ohio
Michael Oxley ’66 McLean, Va.
Thomas Grote ’86 Columbus, Ohio
Sylvia Stanfield ’65 Washington, D.C.
Thomas Hayden ’82 Cincinnati, Ohio
By appointment from University Board of trustees
Sue Henry ’73 Arlington, Va. Gary Killian ’81 Rye, N.Y.
Sharon J. Mitchell, ’73 Chair West Chester, Ohio Jagdish Bhati Cincinnati, Ohio
about rewarding young men and women with high integrity and respect for the U.S. military. According to Mitch, the recipient of a college scholarship himself, it is also about providing an additional nudge toward success. “My scholarship made me feel accountable,” Mitch
Katie went on to complete her degree in
Mary Ann Casati ’77 New York, N.Y.
For the Steenrod family, Brandon’s scholarship is
said. “If someone I didn’t even know was willing to lay dollars on the line for me because I demonstrated merit, then I wasn’t going to let them down. I think it’s very important for someone to show that kind of confidence in you.”
By Service to Miami
Giving Tribute Staff
David Hodge President, Miami University
Editors
Ray Gorman Interim Provost/ Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs Tom Herbert Vice President, University Advancement/ Executive Director, Miami University Foundation David Creamer Vice President, Finance and Business Services/Treasurer Jayne Brownell Vice President, Student Affairs
Kim Tavares MBA ’12 Director, Advancement Communications Kevin Marks MS ’85 Senior Director of Development, Campaign Services Writing Vince Frieden Associate Director, Development Communications Emily Stewart ’07 Assistant Director, Advancement Communications Design Ali Place, Graphic Designer
Miami University Office of Development | Panuska Development Center | 725 East Chestnut Street | Oxford, OH 45056 | 513-529-1230 | MUDevelopment@MiamiOH.edu | ForLoveandHonor.org
ForLoveandHonor.org
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GivingTribute
university ad v ancemen t
Miami surpasses fundraising goal by 121 percent in fiscal year 2014 Miami raised $45 million in new gifts and pledges
and foundations, and 16 percent by parents
during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2014. This
and friends;
was 121 percent of the original goal and an increase of 9 percent over the prior fiscal year.
• Miami had 13 leadership commitments of $1 million or more, and 45 between $100,000-999,999;
Of the FY14 total: • 43 percent was designated
For the fiscal year, Miami’s
to scholarships, 22 percent
alumni participation rate
to academic programs, 19
increased to 20.6 percent,
percent to capital projects, 12 percent unrestricted, and
which is more than twice
4 percent to faculty, research
the national average for
and technology;
• $4.2 million was raised for the Annual Fund, up 18 percent from the previous fiscal year; • $22 million was given in the form of Planned Gifts, up 160 percent; • For the fiscal year, Miami’s
public universities.
alumni participation rate increased to 20.6 percent, which
• 50 percent was given by
is more than twice the national
Miami alumni, 34 percent by corporations
average for public universities.
Athletics facility projects gain momentum While construction has become an increasingly common site across Miami’s campus, that progress has been especially noticeable among Miami’s athletic facilities. Millett Hall has undergone an initial phase of renovations that has included new seats and lighting; Goggin Ice Center received a weight room addition that provides new, centrally located training facilities for its ice hockey and synchronized skating programs;
East Wing Expansion planned for Armstrong Student Center
Construction is advancing quickly on the new
In February 2016, construction
impacting club sports, intramurals, marching
Indoor Sports Center, located beyond Yager Stadium’s north endzone. This facility will benefit all of Miami’s varsity sports while also band and the Oxford community.
begins on the Armstrong Student Center’s East Wing Expansion
Work recently began on the new Legacy
project. The project will connect
Project at Hayden Park, which will relocate
the completed first phase to the
Miami Baseball from Withrow Court and
former Culler Hall. Highlights of
provide new locker room facilities and
the three-level addition, which is
coaches’ offices.
slated to open in fall 2017, include the following:
Donor support is contributing significant momentum to the efforts, which are on the
• The relocation of Miami’s
front end of a larger facility master plan
Office of Career Services to the
intended to bring Miami’s Athletics facilities in
heart of campus;
line with peers both within the Mid-American Conference and nationally.
• An Associated Student Government Chambers;
ATRIUM VIEW
• The Red Zone Sports Grill and Game Room; • Additional, in-demand meeting rooms.
To learn more about the East Wing Expansion Project, visit ForLoveandHonor.org/ ArmstrongStudentCenter or contact Susie Brower Sadler ’84, senior director of development for the Armstrong Student Center, at 513-529-9217 or sadlers@MiamiOH.edu.
February 4, 2014
To learn more about funding priorities within Miami Athletics, contact Coleman Barnes, senior director of development for the department of intercollegiate athletics, at 513-529-8285 or barnesd@MiamiOH.edu.
ForLoveandHonor.org/GivingTribute Check us out online for full versions of all stories in Giving Tribute as well as the following bonus content:
Kamerschen Gift Supports Women in Leadership
Watson Gift Honors Miami and Military Experiences
Learn how the women in his life and an
Though Donald Watson ’67 received
experience involving a risqué designer
two very different experiences during
perfume influenced the perspective of
his time at Miami University and in the
1957 graduate and marketing executive
U.S. Air Force, he credits both those
Robert “Kam” Kamerschen.
experiences for helping him chart a successful life course.
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