Giving Tribute Spring 2016

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GIVING

TRIBUTE

ForLoveandHonor.org

ADVANCEMEN T N EWS AT M I A M I UN I V ER SI T Y

Issue 24 // Spring 2016

Miami University: Equal opportunity in education and employment. Produced by University Advancement 05/16/5K POST


GIVINGTRIBUTE

Hodges reflect on a decade of leadership, love and honor President and Mrs. Hodge proud to be Miamians for life When President David Hodge was

The Hodges have traversed the country and

“Twenty years ago, people didn’t think as much

a record-setting runner on the

visited the other side of the world to connect with

about the need to support public universities. It’s

Miamians. They have hosted more than 30,000

absolutely critical today,” David said. “State support

guests in Lewis Place and enjoyed a decade’s worth

now accounts for only about 9 percent of our total

team, he took special satisfaction

of Alumni Weekends and Winter Colleges. Most

budget, and our success is much more dependent on

in knowing that he had given his

of all, they have been humbled by the generosity of

the generosity of our alumni and tuition.”

Macalester College track & field

all to a race. There is a similar sense of satisfaction as he and University Ambassador Valerie Hodge prepare to pass the baton after a decade of leadership at Miami. “It’s the momentum,” David said. “Miami’s vision is to provide the best undergraduate experience in the nation, enhanced by superior select graduate programs. We have made great strides toward that

the university’s alumni and friends during the most successful decade of fundraising in Miami’s history.

Keeping a Miami education within reach of hard-

Their tenure also witnessed profound shifts in higher

the Hodges, who were both first-generation college

education, especially following the recession of 2008.

students and the beneficiaries of scholarship support

According to the president, those new realities have

themselves.

only increased the importance of alumni and friends to the life of a university.

That passion is reflected in the Hodges’ own

“If we can leave you with just one

and Valerie Hodge Scholarship benefits first-

vision because the whole university embraces it.

message, it is to always remember

We don’t know exactly how that will play out in the

Miami! Remember Miami in your student

future, but we are pretty sure that Miami will be even

recruitment efforts, in hiring employees

more driven, more successful and more impactful. We are excited to welcome the Crawfords and know they will build upon that spirit and momentum.” Miami’s 22nd president, Gregory P. Crawford, was unanimously approved by Miami’s Board of Trustees in February, and he and his wife, Renate, will accept the university’s helm on July 1, 2016. According to Valerie, who has spent the past 10 years welcoming visitors to Lewis Place with the phrase “welcome home,” the Crawfords can expect a warm welcome. “It’s a family,” she said. “Miami alumni are unique in higher education. They are so loyal—100 percent biased in favor of their university—and they have a profound sense of gratitude for the life-changing experiences they had at Miami.” 2

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working students and their families is personal to

and interns, in participating on boards and university committees, and last, but certainly not least, by providing financial resources every year, at whatever level you are capable. For Love and Honor.” -DAVID AND VALERIE HODGE

investment in Miami students. The David generation college students, and the Hodges also have financially supported everything from opera and athletics to geography and the Armstrong Student Center. “We could not have gone to college without the support of others,” Valerie said. “It’s very personal to us, and we want to enable others to have the opportunities we’ve received. We are also excited to contribute to areas beyond scholarships that support a vibrant college life, adding to the total Miami Experience.” In addition to their own financial support, the Hodges have been active in backing initiatives and efforts that involve Miamians and connect them back to the university. They were champions of the Armstrong Student Center, including the fundraising effort that involved more than 11,000 alumni and friends through named recognition opportunities that started at just $200 each.


MIAMI UNIVERSITY

Valerie is deeply committed to M.I.A.M.I. Women

passion for learning demonstrated by Winter

Most important to the Hodges is that the vision the

(The Miami Initiative for Advancing, Mentoring and

College participants, who would abandon the

president first expressed during his initial visit to

Investing in Women), which is reconnecting Miami’s

president and university ambassador in the middle

campus lives on.

alumnae with current students and the overall

of a conversation because the next class session

university through annual leadership symposiums

was starting.

“I wanted to make Miami more Miami,” David said.

While family, fishing and reading will now take

yet move them forward by anticipating change.

“There are so many ways to stay involved with

up more of their time, they are not about to stop

We feel honored and privileged to have played a

the university and to give back—financially, yes,

enjoying Miami and plan to embrace their new

part in the life of this university and confident that

but also through helping recruit future Miamians,

roles in the life of Miami. David will teach a Winter

those same ideals—and Miami’s great people—will

connecting our students with internships, attending

Session class on leadership for creativity next

events and so much more,” Valerie said. “Alumni get

January, and, in addition to keeping in close touch

to be part of this amazing university—without even

with many Miami friends, the Hodges plan to stay

having to take any exams! We want them to support

decked out in plenty of Miami Red & White.

featuring timely topics and inspiring women.

Miami and, more importantly, to enjoy Miami.”

“To stay true to the values and enduring traditions

continue to build the momentum of success.” ■

“We are Miami ambassadors for life,” Valerie said.

While the Hodges are returning to the Pacific

“We certainly have enough Miami gear to last us the

Northwest in retirement, they will carry forever

rest of our lives!”

many fond Miami alumni memories. They will miss the youthful enthusiasm of Miami’s 50-year alumni returning to campus for their golden

Days of Old and Days to Be Gala 2014

anniversary celebration. They also will miss the

Alumni Weekend 2007

Charter Day Ball 2009

Move-In Day 2007

A decade of difference During the tenure of President and Mrs. Hodge, philanthropic support of Miami University reached unprecedented levels, while becoming increasingly important to the university’s overall success. Following are just some of Miami’s notable fundraising accomplishments from the past decade.

For Love and Honor

Power in numbers

World-class facilities

Miami’s alumni participation rate has risen to the

Miami has significantly upgraded its physical

top 10 of all public universities, inspired in part

plant—from new residence halls and dining halls

through efforts that emphasize collective impact.

to cutting-edge academic buildings. A notable

The Armstrong Student Center, supported by

example is the Farmer School of Business

more than 11,000 alumni and friends, met a long-

building, dedicated in 2009 through more than

held student need for a true center of student

$50 million in private support. The attractive and

life. In just two years, #MoveInMiami, a day of

highly functional building has helped elevate the

giving effort, has raised nearly $1.2 million from

school’s rankings among the best public business

more than 6,500 donors—with an average gift of

schools nationally.

less than $200.

Groundbreaking programs

Miami concluded the Campaign For Love and

From the Armstrong Interactive Media Studies

Honor in 2013. The campaign was the most

Institute to the Howe Writing Center and the

successful fundraising effort in university

Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, Miami

history, raising more than $535 million in

students have unprecedented opportunities for

support of students, faculty, facilities and

learning in the classroom and the world beyond

programming.

Miami. Miami also ranks as a leader in student

Scholarships Miami raised $131.8 million in scholarship

study abroad participation. Armstrong Student Center Dedication 2014

Through the $80 million Graduating Champions

support during the Campaign For Love and Honor and carried that momentum into the

Graduating Champions Campaign, Miami is investing in a well-rounded

Miami Promise Scholarship Campaign, which

Faculty/staff support

is progressing toward another $100 million in

Miami ranks among the very best nationally in

champions in the athletic arena and for life. In

scholarship funding by 2019. Along the way, the

commitment to undergraduate teaching. This has

addition to significant scholarship fundraising,

Miami Access Initiative, a grants and scholarship

been supported, in part, through the creation

the campaign has already dedicated or broken

program created through an estate gift from

of 32 new endowed professorships and chairs

ground on four new athletic facilities to

Lois Klawon ’39, was created to meet the cost

over the past 10 years. In an important statement

maximize opportunities for top student-athletes

of tuition and academic fees for academically

about their commitment, Miami’s faculty and

as well as providing expanded recreational and

qualified Ohio students whose families have an

staff also are giving back to the university. More

competitive options to Miami students and the

annual income of $35,000 or less.

than 100 faculty/staff/retiree endowments were

community.

student-athlete experience that graduates

created through a university incentive program.

ForLoveandHonor.org

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GIVINGTRIBUTE

(Back row from left) Richard Nathan ’14, Lynnelle ’84, Rick ’84. (Front row from left) Lauren ’11 and Ryland ’17.

THE MIAMI PROMISE

Three generations of Sigma Phi Epsilon men at Miami: Ryland ’17, Rick ’84, Richard Nathan ’14 and Richard ’60.

F O R LOV E A N D H O N O R . O R G / S C H O L A R S H I P S

Puzzitiello scholarships offer opportunity to future Miamians Couple creates scholarships for Farmer School and football Search for the secret to Richard

and received a subtle challenge from the then-

In 1969, he set off on his own, starting Parkview

Puzzitiello’s ’60 success, and you

director of admission.

Homes. In 1985, he expanded his company from

will find equal parts hard work and

“He said, ‘I’ve seen guys like you who have made it

determination, plus one life-changing

before and those who haven’t. I’m not going to tell

Miami University education. Puzzitiello, the founder and chairman of Parkview Homes, and his wife, Carol Ann Benzinger Puzzitiello ’63, recently endowed a pair of Richard and Carol Puzzitiello Family Scholarships supporting the Farmer School of Business and

you to come here or not,’” Puzzitiello recalled. “I told him I was going to college.”

“Even the squirrels along Slant Walk were friendly to me. Everything about the place

“If I hadn’t had a scholarship to attend Miami, I wouldn’t have met my wife. Business school combined with what I learned from football accelerated my success as a sales manager, builder and developer. It all came together for me at Miami.” The son of an Italian immigrant and the baby of six children, Puzzitiello was destined for the family homebuilding business. Prior to his senior year of high school, he determined that if he were going to be smarter than those who would work for him and be able to afford one of the homes his family built, he needed to become the first member of his family to earn a college degree. Getting to Miami and making it at Miami were different challenges. Puzzitiello took summer classes ahead of his freshman year to catch up academically

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home designs and masterplan communities, and Puzzitiello’s peers have consistently honored him as a leader at the industry’s highest levels. While Puzzitiello has always appreciated his time at Miami, it was through his grandchildren— Lauren ’11, Richard Nathan ’14, Ryland ’17 and

at that time in my life.”

recently accepted Regan—that he and Carol have

– RICHARD PUZZITIELLO ’60

for a college experience that has benefited three

“Success in sports, life and career,” Puzzitiello said.

gone on to become a recognized trendsetter in

was impressive. Miami was so important

Miami Football. The gifts are about gratitude generations of their family.

Cleveland into Florida. Parkview Homes has

reconnected to the university. It began with Lauren showing them around the

While the demands of balancing football and

new Farmer School of Business building, and

academics were significant, Puzzitiello, who arrived

the excitement built as they listened to their

on campus seven hours from home with a single box

grandchildren recount their experiences studying

of worldly possessions and not enough spare change

abroad in London and East Asia and meeting with

to call home, knew he belonged.

potential employers on campus. It came full circle

“Even the squirrels along Slant Walk were friendly to me,” Puzzitiello recalled. “Everything about the place was impressive. Miami was so important at that time in my life.” It was a struggle at times, but in August 1960, Puzzitiello crossed the stage to receive his diploma from then-President John D. Millett, who shook his hand and surprised him by saying, “Richard, I’m so glad to see you made it.” “It was really tough for me,” Puzzitiello said. “I

as Richard and Carol watched their grandchildren start their own successful careers and realized what Puzzitiello’s football scholarships had set in motion more than 50 years earlier. “Without that scholarship, I wouldn’t have that experience at Miami that gave me the confidence to go out into the world and succeed in my life,” Puzzitiello said. “I wanted the scholarships to support students with financial need, because I think there are a lot of people like I was who are just looking for that opportunity.” ■

used to wake up afterward and pinch myself, ‘Did I really graduate?’” He went to work for the family business out of college and was a million-dollar salesman by 1966.

The Puzzitiello scholarships were set up through Miami’s Match the Promise Scholarship program, which provides a significant university match to newly created recruitment scholarships. Visit ForLoveandHonor.org/MTPEndowed.


LIVES T R A N S FO R M E D

Read these and other student impact stories at ForLoveandHonor.org/Impact.

When Gracie Rapnicki entered her first year

Rapnicki’s scholarship support has significantly

at Miami, she was unsure which career path

reduced the amount of debt she and her family

she would take.

have had to take on while opening new doors to

But she had faith in Miami’s commitment to undergraduate education— faith that attending Miami would create more opportunities in the long

personal and professional

“Without the generous donors

growth—such as studying

who believe in me, I wouldn’t have

abroad, exploring careers

had the experiences that have

and leading different clubs.

shaped the person I am today and contributed to whom I want to be.”

run, no matter her major.

siblings received strong encouragement and support from their parents. Their mom set her career aside so that they could follow their dreams. This meant

MARKETING/MEDIA & CULTURE

their father’s physically demanding job was the

CLEVELAND

family’s sole source of income.

Thanks to a supportive mother who strives to create a better life for her children, Brown developed a strong work ethic and positive attitude that have driven him to succeed in school. “Education was always one of

fulfilling those dreams—the support of donors have helped make this a reality. “Scholarships have made absolutely everything I’ve done at Miami possible,” Rapnicki said. “That support doesn’t just affect the life of a student—it

Brown has made every moment count, holding officer roles in various groups, including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Future Educators Association. In the summers, he takes classes and works as a summer school educator at Maple Heights City School District, his alma mater.

“Scholarship support

the biggest things my mother emphasized,” Brown said. “She told

truly saved my life.”

us, ‘You have to go to school, you have to go to college, you have to make something better out of your situation.’”

MIDDLE CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CLEVELAND

Brown did exactly that. In high school, he was active in student government and National Honor Society. He visited Miami through the Bridges Program and vowed he would not leave campus without being accepted.

Brown attributes his success at Miami to two things—his mother and scholarships. Because of her, he made it to Miami. Because of donor

support, he has thrived at Miami. “Coming from a disadvantaged background, I always worry about how my financial situation will play out,” Brown said. “Because of scholarship support, I can be involved on campus, take advantage of Miami’s resources, and most importantly, get a quality and affordable education.”

When Jenna Jones arrived on Miami’s campus for

“Whereas you might go unnoticed at other schools,

her first visit, she, of course, noticed the beautiful

my experience at Miami has been so personal,”

campus, but there was something stronger.

Jones said. “What you want to get out of Miami, you

“From the coaching staff to my future teammates and everyone else I met, the family atmosphere was apparent,” Jones said. “I left campus that day

will get out of Miami. Everyone goes out of their way for you.”

“It’s humbling to know that someone

Jones, a member of the RedHawk Council

believing that the people

else thought this much of me—that I

at Miami genuinely

deserve to go to school here and have

student-athletes, has been

wanted me to succeed,

this opportunity and experience.”

among the 100 percent of

and I liked that feeling.”

Now a junior starter on Miami’s softball team

Jenna Jones ’17

dreams, do not have to

affects the lives of everyone around that student.”

Drive and passion radiate from Jalen Brown.

Jalen Brown ’16

sacrificed to support her worry as much about her

Throughout childhood, Rapnicki and her two

Gracie Rapnicki ’16

Her parents, who have

with plans of pursuing a master’s and eventually a doctorate in pre-occupational therapy, Jones knows

that represents Miami’s

Miami student-athletes who have given back to

the university through the Red & White Club for three straight years. To her, it is a small price.

FAMILY STUDIES

that feeling was for real. That sense of community

“I would not be at Miami University if I did not have

GREENCASTLE, INDIANA

and support is present within her team, among

a scholarship for the sport I play,” Jones said. “When

her fellow student-athletes and at every level of

it comes down to the nuts and bolts of it, I owe

the university.

everything to donor support.” ForLoveandHonor.org

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GIVINGTRIBUTE

Initiative raising $1.5 million to advance Pre-Law Program $700,000 matching gift spurs effort to endow program When Jonathan Fox ’15 arrived on

selling point for attracting the best and brightest to

Miami University’s campus as a

our alma mater.”

first-year student, he had a vision

As the program nears its 10-year anniversary, a

for where he wanted to go. The

$1.5 million fundraising initiative seeks to secure

road map was where he needed some assistance. “I knew coming into Miami that I wanted to go to law school,” Fox said. “I wanted be a lawyer in order to be an instant problem solver for my community, but I had no lawyers in my family or access to people in the profession to give me advice.” Fox, who recently completed his first year at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, found his road map through Miami University’s Pre-Law

its future. The initiative, scheduled to conclude by the end of 2017, aims to permanently endow the program and is spurred by a $700,000 matching-gift challenge from an anonymous private donor. The Pre-Law Program’s funding priorities include classroom and experiential learning opportunities, program staffing, and LSAT preparation. The

Jonathan Fox ’15

initiative will draw on support from all giving levels, including naming opportunities within the program.

legal field are not right for them—saving them a significant investment of time and money—as they

“ ... As far as we know, it is the only one of

are about those who have gained admission into choice law schools.

Program. Started in 2007, the program combines a

its kind in the country, and it has become

pre-professional curriculum focused on exploring

a selling point for attracting the best and

and preparing for careers in law with one-on-one

With Miami’s graduating seniors posting a law

brightest to our alma mater.”

school acceptance rate 11 percent higher than the

advising, access to affordable LSAT preparation, and

–TIM LLOYD ’79

networking opportunities with alumni, professionals and law school recruiters. The program is driven through committed alumni from the legal profession who understand the need, including a 13-member advisory board. “When I was a student at Miami, the decision about whether to go to law school was not nearly as complicated as it is today,” said Tim Lloyd ’79, partner in the Washington D.C. office of Hogan Lovells US LLP and chair of the alumni advisory board. “The Pre-Law Program provides muchneeded guidance and support to students who are interested in the law. As far as we know, it is the only one of its kind in the country, and it has become a

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CHAIR, ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD

national average—there are still many success stories like Fox’s to go around. “It was everything from putting together a strong

“Creating a solid financial foundation for Miami’s Pre-Law Program is critically important to ensuring it will continue to benefit Miami students,” said Lloyd. “The generous matching gift from one of our donors says a lot about the commitment to the program by our alumni. I am thrilled to see other Miamians with ties to the legal field support this wonderful program and reconnect with the school

law school application to hearing perspectives from recent law school graduates on how to succeed in law school to gaining summer experience and positioning yourself for a job,” said Fox, who is working for the Indiana Solicitor General in the Indiana Attorney General’s Office this summer. “The Pre-Law Program provided the foundation from which I am building a career.” ■

in such a meaningful way.” According to Maria Vitullo, director of the PreLaw Program, the program’s successes are as much about the students who decide law school and the

To learn more, visit ForLoveandHonor.org/ GivetoPrelaw or contact Evan Lichtenstein, senior director of development for the College of Arts and Science, at 513-529-1263 or lichteec@MiamiOH.edu.


A RO U N D MIAMI

Crawford named Miami’s 22nd president Gregory P. Crawford was unanimously approved

and learning, focused on undergraduate research,

by Miami University’s Board of Trustees as the

scholarship, and the creative and liberal arts, I

university’s 22nd president. He will begin July 1.

believe Miami is a perfect fit for my experience,

Crawford is a professor of physics and vice president and associate provost at the University of Notre Dame. He also has served as the William K. Warren

values and philosophy of higher education,” he said.

“I am deeply honored to be the incoming

Foundation Dean of Notre Dame’s College of

president at Miami University. Miami is a

Science. He has a doctorate in chemical physics from

very special place, with a unique mission

Kent State University. He has published more than

and an extraordinary reputation.”

400 research and education publications, review articles and book chapters and holds more than 20

– GREGORY P. CRAWFORD

the alumni who have such dedication and loyalty to

U.S. patents and patent applications. An Ohio native, Crawford joined Notre Dame’s faculty in 2008. He previously served as the dean of engineering at Brown University, where he had been a professor of physics and engineering. “Having spent my career at two institutions with a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching

for their work, their zeal for the institution—and

Crawford and his wife, Renate, who also holds a doctorate in physics from Kent State, spent three and a half days on Miami’s campuses in February with numerous groups of students, faculty, staff and community members. “We were truly inspired by the students, faculty and

their alma mater.” The Crawfords are very involved in their communities and in philanthropy and have close ties to Miami—Renate’s sister is a Miami Merger, and Crawford is close friends with legendary football coach Ara Parseghian ’48.

staff we met—their accomplishments, their passion

News briefs

■ Forbes magazine ranked Miami University

■ In December, the Miami Board of Trustees

rankings were done in partnership with the Center

40th among its “Best Value Colleges of 2016.” The

passed the Tuition Promise, providing all first-

for College Affordability and Productivity. Forbes

time undergraduate students and their families the

looked at the U.S. colleges and universities “that

certainty that tuition, room and board, and fees will

provide students with the most value for the dollar.”

Commitment Update

be frozen over a student’s four years at Miami. The initiative begins with the fall 2016 entering class. “The Miami Tuition Promise provides the confidence students and their families need in planning their investment in a college education,” said David Hodge, Miami president. “Stability in costs also ensures that scholarships and financial aid will retain their value over a student’s four-year college period.”

Top 10

■ Four Miami graduate programs rank among

U.S. News & World Report’s top 100. Miami’s parttime MBA program, a two-year program offered on weeknights for experienced professionals, ranks No. 28. Other Miami graduate programs ranked among the top 100 in their respective program areas include speech-language pathology at No. 69, English at No. 77 and history at No. 92.

A recent study cited Miami among its top 10 “top-gaining fouryear public institutions for black students.” From 2003-2013, Miami closed the enrollment gap between black and white students by 10.7 percent while improving the graduation rate for black students by 10.5 percent. —The Education Trust

Additional recent major-gift commitments to Miami University include the following: $450,000 from George Zimmerman ’47 for the College of Creative Arts. $294,000 from the William E. Schmidt Foundation for the College of Creative Arts. $150,000 from Robert ’82 and Patricia McKillip for the Farmer School of Business.

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A N N UA L GIVING

GIVINGTRIBUTE

Class scholarship support adds up in big ways for students As Miami University continues to make impressive progress in its $100 million Miami Promise Scholarship Campaign, the university’s class scholarship program provides an attractive option for all Miamians to participate.

Class Agent Ron Helman ’55 (right) presents a check for more than $2.9 million on the behalf of the Class of 1955 to Miami University Vice President for University Advancement Tom Herbert (left).

The Class of 1955: Still giving strong

“Our class scholarship program has a tremendous collective impact on the success of Miami

When you are great, you know it, and the Miami

University students,” said Emily Berry ’01, MA ’11,

University Class of 1955 certainly has the giving

senior director of annual giving. “Last year, 124

history to prove it.

students were awarded more than $370,000 through this program.”

“When you combine your support with

“Miami is a great university in our book, and the

That is why class agent Ron Helman ’55 begins his

benefits of the education we received has played

reunion-year fundraising letters to his classmates

out in our life successes,” Helman said. “We have

by addressing them as the “Great Class of 1955.”

been convinced over the years that there is both

that of thousands of other Miamians, it

During its 50-year reunion year, the class was

adds up in a big way.”

the first golden anniversary class in Miami

– EMILY BERRY ’01, MA ‘11 SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING

Every class since the Class of 1948 has its own class scholarship, and the recently graduated Class of 2016 is the third straight Miami class to endow its class scholarship before graduation. Over the past decade, more than 13,000 donors have contributed more than $3.1 million in support of class scholarships. In the midst of an effort to raise $100 million in new scholarship support by 2019 to ensure a Miami education remains within reach of bright, hardworking students and their families, the university is emphasizing the impact of annual support like that of class scholarship gifts. “You might not think your gift is that significant when you’re talking about $100 million, but when you combine your support with that of thousands of other Miamians, it adds up in a big way,” Berry said. “Your participation and that of your Miami friends are key to the larger campaign’s success.” Reunion years are a great time to support your class scholarship. If you graduated in a year ending in a “1” or “6,” 2016 is a reunion year. Please consider making your gift by visiting ForLoveandHonor. org/GivetoMiami or by calling the Office of Annual Giving at 513-529-5229.

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RED BRICK SOCIETY PROFILE

a need and an opportunity to support the Miami students who follow us.”

University’s history to announce $1 million as

One of the most significant recipients of the class’

its reunion-year fundraising goal—a goal the

commitment to its alma mater is its own Class of

class surpassed.

1955 Scholarship. It is the largest class scholarship

“I said ‘a million,’ and the development staff just sat there,” Helman recalled.

fund of any Miami class,

“[The Class of 1955 Scholarship] has helped me afford such a

“It had never been done.

prestigious university and realize

That was the fun of it.”

my potential as a student, a

Five years later, Helman suggested $555,555.55 for the class goal, but after

leader and a future professional.” – JACOB EISHEN ’16

such a successful 50-year effort, he was advised to lower expectations and shoot for $255,555.55. The class surpassed $600,000. At its 60-year reunion dinner last June, the class again eclipsed all expectations by presenting a check

totaling an endowment of more than $470,000, and last year awarded scholarships to nine Miami students. The Class of 1955 “task force” leading the 50-, 55and 60-year fundraising efforts included Helman,

Dorothy Taylor Folker, Charles Hazelrigg, Darrell Hedric, Otto Henry Jung, Ralph Kah, Carole

Korengold Last and Barbara Wahls Seaman. ■

to Miami for $2.9 million. Over the past decade, the “Great Class of 1955” has raised more than $5 million and is the only class to place its name on a room in the Armstrong Student Center. At some point in their lives, more than 75 percent of alumni from the class have made a gift to Miami—an uncommon level of commitment.

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. To learn more about annual giving and Miami’s annual giving societies, visit ForLoveandHonor. org/AnnualGiving or contact us at 513-529-5229 or AnnualGiving@MiamiOH.edu.

124

$372,620

Number of Miami students who were awarded class scholarships in 2015-2016.

Scholarship support awarded to Miami students in 2015-2016 through class scholarships.


MIAMI UNIVERSITY

M I A M I O H . E D U /G R A D U AT I N G C H A M P I O N S

Schultz generosity reflects gratitude for baseball and Miami NCAA record-holder supports Jay Hayden Baseball Center On a cold April day in 1971, Buddy

Schultz chaired the Legacy Project that named 40

Schultz ’73 did what no pitcher in

lockers within the Miami Baseball Locker Room,

NCAA baseball history had ever done or likely will ever do again. Over the course of a nine-inning shutout of Wright State University, the left-hander with the searing

and he and his wife, Toby, made a major gift naming the Toby K Schultz Heritage Hallway, a celebration of Miami Baseball’s tradition that includes Schultz’ life-size image and the historic baseball he treasures but wanted to share with the Miami family.

fastball struck out 26 batters. Forty-five years later,

“Miami is special to me; it helped me grow up,”

the record remains a point of Miami pride, and the

Schultz said. “I can’t pitch anymore, but this was how

almost unfathomable idea of the accomplishment

we could help Miami win.”

continues to raise eyebrows.

Drafted as a 17-year-old by the Philadelphia Phillies

“I was on baseball cards, I played in five different

and offered $28,000 to sign, Schultz instead chose

countries, I’ve pitched with and against Hall of

Miami. Along with Head Coach Bud Middaugh

Famers, but, in this age where statistics have become

and his teammates, he helped bring relevancy to a

so prominent, 26 strikeouts seems to be what I’m

middle-of-the-pack program, beginning a run of 12

remembered for,” Schultz reflected. “It’s all good.

straight winning seasons.

What could possibly be bad when you were able to live your childhood dream?”

He went on to pitch five seasons for the Chicago

Today, the baseball that blew past that 26th batter—

League’s third-lowest ERA in 1977.

weathered and yellowed by age—rests prominently within Miami University’s new Jay Hayden Baseball Center. It is a piece of Miami Baseball history but only a singular glimpse into the drive and passion of a man who reached the game’s highest level and then dedicated his life to making those moments

Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, and had the National

Inducted into the Miami Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, Schultz had maintained a connection to the university and the baseball program. It was Toby— the love of his life whom he met at a Tony LaRussa golf fundraiser—who motivated him to take that

possible for others.

commitment to another level. In seeing Miami

Schultz estimates he has helped raise more than

program, she suggested they should do more. The

$30 million in support of youth baseball leagues

result was the Toby K Schultz Heritage Hallway.

and facilities, including through Arizona Baseball Charities and his hometown East Cleveland Baseball Charities. His generosity and ability to motivate others behind an important cause were equally instrumental in building the Hayden Center as the home of Miami Baseball.

firsthand and witnessing Schultz’ devotion to the

From left: Toby K Schultz, Buddy Schultz, Kanon Kayyem (grandson) and Luke Kayyem (son).

The named hallway celebrates the Major League Baseball accomplishments of Miamians like Walter “Smokey” Alston ’35, Charlie Leibrandt ’78, Chris Sexton ’93 and Schultz himself. To Schultz, the gift is not about history but about the future. “I give back because I’d like someone to be able to experience some of what I did—to learn the things I was able to learn through baseball,” Schultz said. “Having our names in the Hayden Center is a bonus, but it’s not really about us. It’s about the kids and what we can do for them.”

“I attended Miami because I could play baseball. I graduated from Miami because I like to win. I give back to Miami because others deserve a chance,” Schultz said. “Now I share Miami with the person I love most.”

Learn more about the Graduating Champions Campaign at MiamiOH.edu/GraduatingChampions or by contacting Coleman Barnes, senior director of development for intercollegiate athletics at 513-529-8285 or barnesd@MiamiOH.edu. ForLoveandHonor.org

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GIFT PLANNING

GIVINGTRIBUTE

Retirement plan giving a tax-wise giving option Like Bill Lammers ’70, this edition’s featured Brice Society member, you can make a difference at Miami University by simply changing the beneficiary of your retirement plan to support the philanthropic goals that are important to you. Follow these five easy steps: 1. Contact your retirement plan administrator for a change-of-beneficiary form. 2. Decide what percentage you would like Miami to receive. 3. Name the Miami University Foundation, along with the percentage you choose, on the beneficiary form. 4. Return the form to your plan administrator. 5. Make your plans known to Miami’s Office of Gift Planning. Giving through your retirement plan makes a difference in a manner that puts your hardearned dollars to work while preventing a large tax burden for your loved ones. Please seek legal advice before making decisions in regards to

From left: President David Hodge, Valerie Hodge, Debbie Jackson and Bill Lammers.

Bill Lammers ’70 By all accounts, Bill Lammers ’70 was the all-American success story—a strong student, natural leader, model Naval officer, successful professional and an ideal family man.

your estate plans. ■

IRA charitable rollover extended permanently

destructive quest to fill an unfillable void. The

While Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

into a Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center and

for your use during retirement, to the surprise

By naming the Miami University Foundation as one of the beneficiaries of his retirement plan, Lammers is able to continue using the plan for his own income

Lurking in the shadows, though, were a troubled

are excellent vehicles for accumulating assets

BRICE SOCIETY PROFILE

childhood, a lifetime of insecurities and a secrets of his addictions, including alcoholism, the “family disease,” eventually spilled out, shattering his picture-perfect life in full public view. At 52 years old, he hit rock bottom, checking beginning the process of learning how to live.

needs. When he no longer needs that income, a percentage of the plan will formally endow the fund. Lammers is committed to supporting the fund annually but wanted to ensure it would continue providing meaningful support beyond his lifetime. “In talking with parents of college students, no other issue comes close as a threat to the hopes and ambitions they have for their children,” Lammers said. “In working with Miami’s gifted leaders, I felt I could make a difference

of many, they are a far less attractive way to pass

“Author Joseph Campbell once

“As one of my mentors

in this way.”

an inheritance to loved ones.

said, ‘The privilege of a lifetime

says, ‘We must give not

is being who you are,’” Lammers

until it hurts but, rather,

Lammers’ gift also comes out

The IRA Charitable Rollover provision is an excellent option for individuals who have reached age 70½. The provision allows individuals to donate up to $100,000 annually to charitable organizations directly from

said. “In my recovery from addiction, I am becoming, one day at a time, the person I was meant to be.”

give until it feels good.’” – BILL LAMMERS ’70

Now reconciled with his family and a member of the

taxable income.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Board of Trustees,

into law a bill that makes permanent the IRA charitable rollover. To take advantage of this opportunity to support Miami students, work

Lammers is a passionate advocate in the effort to educate and help others struggling with addiction and other forms of alcohol and drug misuse. Lammers’ dedication to the cause also has inspired a has created the William J Lammers Educational

with your IRA administrator to direct your gift to the Miami

focuses on education and programming involving

To learn more about these and other gift planning options, contact Jayne Whitehead H.A. ’06, J.D., senior director of development for gift planning, at jayne.whitehead@MiamiOH.edu and 513529-5223 or visit MiamiOH.edu/GiftPlanning.

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ForLoveandHonor.org

a bachelor’s in accountancy and an MBA. He considers his

and hopes others will recognize the opportunity. “My financial support comes out of a profound sense of gratitude for my Miami Experience,” Lammers said. “It also comes out of the hope that other alumni and parents will recognize an opportunity to join in this effort.” ■

groundbreaking gift to Miami University. Lammers Fund for Alcohol and Other Addictions, which

University Foundation.

at Miami, where he earned

investments in Miami a privilege

their IRA, without treating the distribution as

In December, President Obama signed

of appreciation for his time

both students and their families.

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.

View Giving Tribute online for more content and full versions of all the stories!

ForLoveandHonor.org/GivingTribute


MIAMI UNIVERSITY

Miami Veterans Tribute planned Tribute to honor Miami veterans from all five military branches An effort fueled by alumni passion and generosity could erect a Veterans Tribute on Miami’s campus as early as Veterans Day 2017. The project began as an effort to preserve history when the former Rowan Hall became part of the Armstrong Student Center. Through the leadership of David Lawrence ’64 and Dave Miller ’60 MBA ’69 and a committee of fellow alumni veterans, it evolved into a broader vision recognizing all those who have served. “This is a salute by Miamians to nearly two centuries of alumni who’ve served—not only the fallen and the historically prominent,” Lawrence said. “This will be an artistically reflective place to express and experience the values and emotions that are stirred while remembering our veterans.” Miami currently acknowledges nearly 8,000 alumni and attendees who have served and more than 160 killed in harm’s way. Ongoing outreach efforts seek to identify others, and an alumni-driven fundraising effort will fund the tribute. Depending on fundraising progress, the Veterans Tribute could be completed and dedicated as early as Veterans Day 2017.

If you are a U.S. military veteran or

Because their country asked ... The Veterans Tribute site will be located on the south side of Spring Street immediately west of Wells Hall. It will consist of five elements:

Computer kiosks provide a regularly updated and searchable database of all Miami’s military veterans—past and present.

Two interwoven stone spirals wind around a U.S. flag. Vertical stones carrying the names of Miamians who died in harm’s way support the spirals.

Stone panels rest atop the stone supports, containing the texts of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and military oath.

The tribute’s footprint forms a five-pointed star, highlighted by five entrances, each with a triangular planter box adorned with the seal of one of the five military branches.

want to ensure a deceased Miamian who served is recognized, complete the online form at MiamiAlum.org/ VeteransTribute. In addition to reporting service, living veterans who attended Miami must consent via the form to be included in Miami’s veterans’ database. ■

Miami University Foundation Board of Directors 2016

Two metal arms, representing liberty and justice and displaying the Pledge of Allegiance, emerge from the spirals, reaching upward and around the flag.

Steve Anderson ’79 Medina, OH

Beth Mynhier ’82 Lake Forest, IL

Mary Ann Casati ’77 New York, NY

John W. Peck ’66 Cincinnati, OH

BY ELECTION

Dr. Richard Chaifetz Lake Forest, IL

Alison Sanger ’93 Oakland, CA

Susan E. Naus ’67 President Indianapolis, IN

James Chapman ’72 Powell, OH

Sylvia Stanfield ’65 Washington, D.C.

Donald Crain ’70 West Chester, OH

SPECIAL APPOINTEE

Mark Sullivan ’81 Vice President Wilton, CT Ellen Schubert ’83 Treasurer Old Greenwich, CT Charles Landes ’74 Secretary Cincinnati, OH Rick Amos ’87 Chicago, IL

Thomas Hayden ’82 Cincinnati, OH

Gary Killian ’81 Rye, NY

Cynthia Henderson ’90 Cincinnati, OH

BY APPOINTMENT FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Sue Henry ’73 Arlington, VA

David Budig ’84 Cincinnati, OH

Richard McVey ’81 Greenwich, CT

Jagdish Bhati Cincinnati, OH

To learn more about the Veteran’s Tribute project, contact Evan Lichtenstein, senior director of development for the College of Arts and Science, at 513-529-1263 or lichteec@MiamiOH.edu. To make an online gift, visit ForLoveandHonor.org/ GivetoVeteransTribute.

BY SERVICE TO MIAMI

Giving Tribute Staff

David Hodge President, Miami University

Vince Frieden Associate Director, Editorial Services

Phyllis Callahan Provost and Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs Tom Herbert Vice President, University Advancement and Executive Director, Miami University Foundation David Creamer Senior Vice President, Finance and Business Services/Treasurer Jayne Brownell Vice President, Student Affairs

Auriel Buchanan Copywriter Ali Place Associate Director, Creative Services Jessica Staubauch Graphic Designer Kim Tavares MBA ’12 Senior Director, University Advancement Communications, Marketing & Events Kevin Marks MS ’85 Senior Director of Development, Campaign Services

The mission of the Miami University Foundation is to support the educational and research activities of Miami University through the identification and solicitation of contributions of money and gifts and the management and stewardship of the Miami University endowment. Learn more at ForLoveandHonor.org/Foundation.

ForLoveandHonor.org

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UNIVERSITY A DVA N C E M E N T

GIVINGTRIBUTE

News Briefs

Alumni donated more than $30 million, or 57 percent of total contributions received by Miami

Calendar year 2015 success

in 2015. Foundations (29 percent), corporations (6 percent), friends (3 percent) and parents (2

Miami University’s alumni and friends invested

percent) followed.

more than $53.3 million in new gifts and pledges toward current and future Miami students during calendar year 2015. The total reflects an increase of 5 percent over 2014 and marks the third consecutive year that private support has surpassed $50 million. “From the time I arrived in Oxford, I’ve admired the uncommonly strong commitment of Miami’s

Register today!

Miami’s Annual Fund raised $4.12 million, $1.2 million of which went directly to student scholarships. Donors made more than 6,500 gifts online, a record number.

#MoveInMiami set for Aug. 25

alumni and friends,” President David Hodge

#MoveInMiami, Miami’s annual day-of-giving

said. “That loyalty has increasingly translated to

campaign, again coincides with move-in day for

giving back, and that financial support propels

Miami University’s first-year class, Thursday, Aug.

Miami as a top public university that is rooted in

25. The participation-driven effort, which annually

its foundational academic qualities and forward-

puts Miami front and center on social media, has

thinking in its ability to adapt and develop new

raised nearly $1.2 million from more than 6,500

Alumni Weekend June 9-12, 2016

leaders for a changing world.”

alumni and friends in its first two years. Collective

Return to Oxford and relive the Miami

Miami raised $13 million for scholarships in 2015, accounting for 24 percent of total giving. By a year-and-a-half into the five-year Miami

giving efforts like #MoveInMiami have been significant in Miami rising among the top 10 public universities nationally for donor participation rates.

Promise Scholarship Campaign, Miami had

To learn more about being a #MoveInMiami

tallied $25.2 million in scholarship giving

volunteer or about how you can participate,

toward its $100 million goal.

contact Emily Berry ’01, MA ’11, senior director of annual giving, at 513-529-9625 or emily.berry@ MiamiOH.edu. ■

Experience that is uniquely yours. Experience Miami. Same place, new memories. Join classmates, friends and fellow alumni for group reunions, Alumni College with Miami faculty, celebrations like MiamiFest and the opportunity to revisit your favorite Miami memories. Registration is open. Learn more at MiamiAlum.org/AlumniWeekend.

Construction Begins On Armstrong Student Center East Wing Just over two years after the Armstrong

The East Wing will relocate Miami Career Services

Student Center opened its doors,

to the heart of campus, making it highly visible

construction has commenced on the East

and accessible for students. The project also adds a

Wing continuation that will bring the

number of large-group meeting rooms, including the

Center’s original vision to completion.

Joslin Student Senate Chamber, as well as informal

Slated to open in fall 2017, the East Wing project includes renovating the

gathering spaces like the Red Zone sports grill and game room concept, and Café Lux coffee shop.

former Culler Hall and connecting it to

To learn more about the East Wing and named

the current Armstrong Student Center

recognition opportunities within that begin at

via an atrium that will serve as a major

$250, contact Susie Brower Sadler ’84, senior

campus thoroughfare. The project is a

director of development for the Armstrong Student

key element of an ongoing revitalization

Center, at 513-529-9217 or sadlers@MiamiOH.

along the Spring Street edge of Miami’s

edu. Visit us online at ForLoveandHonor.org/

main academic quad, which is focused

ArmstrongStudentCenter.

on updating academic spaces and centralizing student services.

Miami University Office of Development Leadership Tom Herbert Vice President and Executive Director of Miami Foundation Brad Bundy H.A. ’13 Senior Associate Vice President and Campaign Director

Mackenzie Becker Rice ’99 Senior Director of University Administration and Assistant Executive Director to the Miami Foundation Coleman Barnes Senior Director of Development, Intercollegiate Athletics Emily Berry ’01, M.A. ’11 Senior Director, Annual Giving Erika Dockery Senior Director of Development, Central Programs, Corporate & Foundation Relations and Global Initiatives/MUDEC

Jill Gaby ’91 Senior Director of Development, Regional Development Evan Lichtenstein Senior Director of Development, College of Arts and Science

Susie Brower Sadler ’84 Senior Director of Development, Armstrong Student Center and Academic Programs Jayne Whitehead H.A. ’06, J.D. Senior Director, Gift Planning

Kevin Marks M.S. ’85 Senior Director of Development, Campaign Services

David Zilch ’84 Senior Director of Development, Farmer School of Business

Ellen Paxton Senior Director, Regional Advancement

Jay Fridy Director of Development, College of Engineering and Computing

Brian Furnish ’01 Director of Development, College of Education, Health and Society Heather Kogge Director of Development, College of Creative Arts Michael Kumler ’97 Director of Development, Student Affairs, University Libraries, Graduate School Whitney Riley Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Miami University Office of Development | Panuska Development Center | 725 East Chestnut Street | Oxford, OH 45056 | 513-529-1230 | MUDevelopment@MiamiOH.edu | ForLoveandHonor.org

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ForLoveandHonor.org


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