OXFORD, Ohio (May 2, 2012) – Miami University and the Farmer School of Business have announced a $1 million gift from G. Richard (Dick) Thomas ’48 to establish the G. Richard and Jane S. Thomas Endowed Assistant Professor Chair Fund. The fund will be used to assist the Farmer School of Business in attracting and retaining talented, tenure-track faculty. more

The Farmer School of Business announced that The Steve & Cindy Van Andel Foundation has given a $300,000 gift to establish the Steve Van Andel Distinguished Professorship, which will be used to support a top faculty member at the Farmer School. Mr. Van Andel, an alumnus of the Farmer School, is chairman of Amway, one of the world’s largest direct-selling companies. more

A $100,000 gift from a Miami alumnus who works in global business will enable more Farmer School students to study abroad. more

A $1.5 million gift from the family of Raymond E. Glos, dean of the School of Business Administration at Miami University for over 20 years, will provide financial support for students studying abroad and name a conference room in the dean’s suite. more

Key gifts have helped the Farmer School of Business make major progress toward its goal of creating an endowment that will enable all students with financial need to study abroad. Currently, the school’s endowment to support international education tops $4 million. More than 60 percent of Farmer School students incorporate a study-abroad experience in their undergraduate curriculum. more

A gift from a Miami alumnus who works in global finance will enable increasing numbers of business students to study abroad. Kevin Willsey (Finance ’85) has pledged $200,000 to the Farmer School of Business. The funds will establish the Kevin Willsey International Scholars Fund, whose primary purpose will be to support students for semester-long study-abroad programs. more

A new gift to the Farmer School’s Center for Social Entrepreneurship is designed to boost the number of students participating in hands-on sustainability projects in developing countries. more

A new gift to the Farmer School of Business is designed to help the school attract top students who plan to prepare for a career in finance. more

Miami University’s Center for Social Entrepreneurship has received a gift of $50,000 from Scot (English/Journalism '93) and Kelly Billington. This gift is the couple’s second in support of the center... more

“This gift is designed to promote student development in ways that Nestlé considers critical,” said Brad Alford (’78), Chairman and CEO of Nestlé USA. “We are a global company, and commerce will only get increasingly global; therefore, students need to become comfortable in cultures other than their own. We also want to promote undergraduate research and team-based learning, and provide support to faculty members who seek to rise to the top in their fields.” more

“Susan and I understand the vital importance of helping today’s business students develop a comprehensive understanding of the world,” he said. “Emily’s experience at the Farmer School has convinced us that the school is committed to developing students who are comfortable in different cultures, sensitive to different business practices, and who are prepared to lead in the international business arena.” more

“I believe international study is an increasingly essential part of education in a competitive global environment,” Park explained. “Studying abroad is a great opportunity for learning about culture and gaining an understanding of human relationships.” more

“It is very important to our family to continue Frank’s relationship with Miami,” said Judy Jellinek. “Frank believed strongly in the vision and mission of the Miami Business School and I know that he would be enthusiastic about the impact that the Jellinek Chair will have on the future of business education at the school.” more

“I have been very impressed with the direction of the Farmer School over the past several years, exemplified by the completion of its state-of-the-art building this past summer,” said Jones. “My family and I are pleased that we have been able to play a part in helping the school achieve excellence.” more