GIVING
TRIBUTE GivetoMiamiOH.org
ADVANCEMEN T N EWS AT M I A M I UN I V E R S I TY
Issue 28 // Fall 2018
Miami University: Equal opportunity in education and employment. Produced by University Advancement 05/17/3.5K POST
GIVINGTRIBUTE
David Dafoe ’84 is founder of the Louisville-based Flavorman.
David Dafoe ’84 provides $30.1 million gift to Miami Flavorman founder gives out of gratitude to university Encouraged by his grandmother to
A native of the small town of Pyrites, New York, Dafoe
It all started with a job interview with Fries &
pursue a career in medicine, David
moved to Cincinnati at the age of 13 and attended
Fries, now Givaudan, where Dafoe discovered his
Walnut Hills High School. Following the advice of his
talent for taste.
Dafoe ’84 graduated from Miami University with a degree in zoology. Dafoe soon discovered a different path to the
grandmother, a pivotal figure in his life who convinced him never to be afraid to try new things, Dafoe began volunteering at The Christ Hospital.
“I owe my professional career to Miami,” Dafoe said. “Without that experience, I don’t think I would have had the confidence and ability to even
potential his grandmother saw in him. During a job
He applied to several colleges in Ohio before
go into a job interview. I am thrilled for this gift
interview, Dafoe found he had the rare gift of being
finding the right fit at Miami, but Dafoe
to come to life to help future students have the
a “supertaster” with a knack for distinguishing
questioned his ability to afford school. Explaining
same kinds of experience and opportunities Miami
flavor. That led to him founding Louisville-
to his hospital supervisor his financial situation,
provided and continues to provide me.”
based Flavorman.
volunteering turned into a paid position as Dafoe
From growing up in a low-income family to becoming a successful business owner and one of the country’s foremost authorities on flavor,
worked weekends, holidays and during the summer. Combining his hospital paychecks with grants and scholarships enabled Dafoe to attend college.
As the center of Miami’s diverse liberal arts curriculum, the College of Arts and Science (CAS) fosters a rigorous intellectual climate that promotes learning and discovery. The CAS offers 63 majors,
Dafoe has long kept a close association with
Shy as a child and into his teenage years, Dafoe
58 minors and 10 co-majors to undergraduate
Miami through speaking engagements, on-campus
credits Miami with helping him break out of his
students, as well as about 30 master’s and 10
activities, volunteerism and his work as a member
shell. Starting in Dennison Hall, a residence hall, in
doctoral programs.
of the Miami University Foundation Board
1980, he formed lifelong friendships that gave him
of Directors.
confidence as Miami taught him to think critically
That connection to his beloved alma mater has now
and solve problems.
“Dave has gone from a financially struggling college student to budding entrepreneur to success to ultimately philanthropist, engaging with Miami all
grown even deeper. Miami University President
“The academic and social opportunities at Miami
along the way,” said Tom Herbert, Miami’s senior
Gregory P. Crawford announced in April a $30.1
changed my life and shaped me as a person,” Dafoe
vice president of university advancement. “This
million gift from Dafoe to the College of Arts and
said. “Without support, I would not have been
generous gift will have an enduring, transformative
Science. This significant estate gift will provide
able to attend Miami. I want to offer those same
impact for years to come. Many deserving young
scholarships for high-need students and put
opportunities to future generations of Miamians.”
men and women will be able to come to Miami who
the dream of attending Miami within financial reach for many.
Flavorman, Dafoe’s beverage development company, has been featured in Bloomberg
“Dave’s life journey is extraordinary and inspiring,”
Businessweek and The New York Times and on
Crawford said. “A volunteer, an entrepreneur and a
the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” and CNN,
philanthropist, Dave truly exemplifies Miami Love
among others. Opening in 1992 and originally
and Honor. His generosity will make a tremendous
known as Pro-Liquitech, Flavorman grew from
difference in the lives of so many students in the
a consultation firm to an international, full-service
years to come. We are delighted he has chosen to
custom product-development and ingredient-
give back to his alma mater in this way.”
supply company.
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would not have been able to otherwise.” ■
To learn more about giving opportunities in the College of Arts and Science, contact Evan Lichtenstein, senior director of development for the College of Arts and Science, at lichteec@MiamiOH. edu or 513-529-1263.
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
Pistell family continues support of Miami Tim ’69 and Lynn Pistell ’70 announce $5 million gift to university It was 1966, in a Miami botany lab,
It was a promise made and a promise kept. Since
when Tim ’69 and Lynn Pistell ’70,
then, the couple has given back to Miami each year
then strangers with a shared love for
since they graduated. In 2009, the couple created the Lynn and Tim Pistell Botany Scholarship, awarded
the outdoors and nature, took seats
annually to botany undergraduate majors, to
next to each other.
celebrate their love of flora and where they first met.
They started out as classmates, but the relationship
They are now taking this promise to a completely
soon began to blossom beyond the lab into romantic walks through the university’s Formal Gardens, and, finally, to marriage. This chance encounter has led to 49 years of marriage and two wonderful children, plus their spouses who they met at an international
new level of giving back. The Pistells have just announced a gift totaling $5 million, which will truly be transformative for Miami students and faculty. Their gift, which will be given over their lifetime and through testamentary interests, will
school in England and five grandchildren.
be used to increase their botany scholarship and
But not all was roses during their time at Miami.
majors. It will also endow a professorship in plant
Both Tim and Lynn understand the pressures of
biology and create a recruitment scholarship for
paying for higher education. It was only through
academically strong students whose parents are first
a combination of summer and part-time jobs at
responders, as Lynn’s father was a firefighter.
Miami, as well as scholarship and grant money,
establish an experiential learning fund for botany
Lynn has served throughout her life on numerous nonprofit organizations in Lexington, Kentucky;
In addition, in order to honor John Dolibois,
Cleveland, Ohio; and Bath County, Virginia. In 2016,
educations.
they are creating an emergency needs scholarship
she was selected to serve and lead the Christmas
available to all students who suddenly find
Mother program in Bath County, Virginia, and now
Despite her hard work and scholarship support,
themselves in an unexpected financial hardship
serves on the Miami University Foundation Board.
Lynn was faced with additional financial hardships
as Lynn did.
that both were able to pursue their undergraduate
during her junior year. After running out of
Cultivating their Miami roots, it turns out, is every
The Pistells have led fruitful careers since leaving
bit as important to the Pistells as nurturing what is
Miami, which allowed them to give back in
in the natural environment that surrounds us. For
numerous ways. Tim is retired from Parker
the Pistells, they are happy simply to give back to
alumni affairs.
Hannifin Corp, beginning as a management
the place they feel has given them so much while
accounting trainee and retiring 42 years later as its
keeping their promise to Dolibois.
“I went in and spoke with him, and he asked me
EVP and CFO. During his active years with Parker,
how much I needed,” Lynn recalled. “He said that
he served on and chaired several nonprofit boards.
he would see that I got the funding so that I could
He currently serves on the boards of TransTech
continue. But then he stated, ‘I only ask that when
Energy and the Garth Newel Music center and is
you and Tim are able to give back, please give
chairman of the board of the Bath Community
to Miami.’”
Hospital in Hot Springs, Virginia.
money to pay for tuition, Lynn followed a friend’s suggestion to meet with John Dolibois, who was then the vice president for development and
“Very often we get letters from our scholarship recipients that enable us to realize that our gift intentions are being met,” Lynn said. “We’ve always given, and it’s very fulfilling to know that we are helping the younger Miami generation pursue their goals.” ■
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GIVINGTRIBUTE
Mansfield’s lifelong love of libraries inspires major gift Class of 1968 alumna spent entire career at Library of Congress In the case of Judy Goacher Mansfield
Mansfield was the only of her siblings to choose
some 470 languages for its collections, as well as for
’68, mother really did know best.
Miami for college and found herself immediately
other research libraries. Cataloging and servicing
at home. She still recalls, with fondness, passing
these collections requires a highly diverse staff.
With her Deerfield Beach, Florida, community
through Upham Arch on her way to class each
setting up its first public library in the 1950s,
morning during her freshman year. In Kappa Kappa
Mansfield’s mother recognized an opportunity for
Gamma she found friendships that endure to this
her daughter to learn a valuable lesson about serving
day with annual get-togethers.
work with Indonesians, Iraqis, Japanese, Eastern
Upon earning her degree in the classical humanities,
changed my life forever, and the people there really
Mansfield, who had wanted to be a librarian since
created my joy. I just loved my career.”
her community. She volunteered young Judy to unpack, sort and shelve books. Little did mother know that she had inspired a
the age of 13, went on to earn a master’s in library
future librarian.
science from Case Western Reserve University.
Mansfield, a longtime advocate of the Miami University Libraries who served a decorated 41-year career in the Library of Congress, recently announced a major cash and planned estate gift in support of the Libraries. The flexible fund will provide support for staff, collections and facilities toward the ultimate goal
She received job offers from Columbia University, the New York Public Libraries and the Library of Congress. Mansfield laughs now that her decision probably had most to do with not wanting to follow her sister, to whom she had been compared much of her life, to New York.
of strengthening the overall Libraries’ system.
It was also the right choice.
“The University Libraries are fortunate to have an
Mansfield spent 41 years at the Library of Congress,
alumna and friend as knowledgeable and passionate about our field and as dedicated in her service as Judy Mansfield,” Dean and University Librarian Jerome Conley said. “Her volunteer leadership has been invaluable to the University Libraries over the years, and the generous support given by Judy and her husband, Vincent Treacy, positions us to take important next steps at a time when our Libraries are envisioning the future.” The daughter of two Miamians, Mansfield spent her early years in Oxford and attended kindergarten at the McGuffey School. Her family moved to Florida during her first grade year, but never lost their Oxford connection, making occasional trips back and welcoming visits from vacationing Oxford friends. 4
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rising from special recruit intern to chief, U.S./ Anglo Division by the time of her 2010 retirement. Highly regarded in the library community, she wrote and spoke widely on the topics of cataloging and acquisitions on behalf of the Library of Congress
“I came from a small, segregated community in Florida and suddenly had this opportunity to Europeans and so many others,” Mansfield said. “It
Mansfield still views libraries as a presence that can draw people together. She previously served on the Libraries Campaign Steering Committee during the Miami University Campaign For Love and Honor and now serves on the Libraries Alumni Advisory Board. Her gift demonstrates her commitment to an important goal. “I want Miami’s libraries to have the same prominence in the library world as Miami University has in the academic world,” Mansfield said. “The quality of a university’s library system is part of a university’s accreditation process, and I want to do what I can to make sure Miami’s libraries are valued on the same level as other areas of campus.
and received numerous awards for her work. She
“The Libraries have already done a lot to get there,
also was active in the American Library Association
and they are in capable hands under Dean Conley’s
(ALA) and the International Federation of Library
leadership. I’m excited to support the drive, energy
Associations and Institutions (IFLA), serving both
and imagination that I see shaping the future of the
in elected and appointed positions.
Miami University Libraries.” ■
Most valuable from her experience was the education she received from her coworkers. Through a network of foreign offices and by other means, the Library of Congress acquires foreign publications in
To learn more about other exciting University Libraries’ initiatives and how you can join the effort, visit our Miami University Libraries priorities webpage.
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
Inspired by former coach, Teufels give back to university James ’72 and Hazel Block Teufel ’72 establish scholarship for Miami student-athletes On the last day of football practice
million, the Teufels established a scholarship that
his sophomore year at Miami
will be awarded to one or more varsity student-
University, James Teufel ’72, M.Ed. ’74 suffered a knee injury that required surgery and put his college education at risk. James was not on scholarship at the time, and money was tight. It was unlikely he’d be able to return to Miami and resume his studies. So, James had a talk with his coach, Bill Mallory ’57. Mallory was in his first stop as a college head coach, the beginning of a Hall of Fame career that would lead to eventual enshrinement in Miami’s fabled Cradle of Coaches. Mallory listened when James told him he didn’t know if he could continue at Miami, and the coach came up with a solution. Finding enough scholarship money, Mallory ensured James would return to the classroom to pursue his passion of
athletes from the state of Ohio. Using careful planning and consolidation, the Teufels simplified their estate by starting with property in two states, their home of West Alexandria, Ohio, and also in South Carolina. Combining stocks and bonds was their next step. James, who took a leave of teaching and entered financial planning, saw an opportunity. “A lot of this money was just kind of sitting there,” he said. “We put it in a couple of funds, and they just kind of exploded. That was the second part of the puzzle. We took everything and consolidated it in one brokerage company. “It’s in a place where, if anything happens to both of us, it will be directed here for a scholarship. We’ve done some things to ensure there will be positive growth.”
industrial arts.
Both had positive experiences in Oxford.
“I’ve never forgotten that,” James said.
While James discovered Miami late in his high
Nor has he forgotten Miami, where he met his wife, Hazel Block Teufel ’72, in a pre-student teaching class in 1970. Following Mallory’s lead of compassion and generosity, the Teufels have endowed the James R. and Hazel M. Teufel Scholarship. “We thought it would be nice to do something for
school years in Mason, Ohio – he originally was going to attend a school in Louisville before someone put a bug in his father’s ear about Miami’s industrial arts program – Hazel’s path to the university was much clearer.
Hazel Block Teufel ’72 and James Teufel ’72.
Miami will provide annual scholarship match payments for four academic years, starting with the 2018-2019 school year, in an amount equal to 5 percent of the donors’ total commitment. “That’s going to come in very, very handy down the road, far beyond what we can even dream of right now,” James said. More support for the university has come courtesy of the Teufels. They belong to the Red & White
“We thought it would be nice to
Club, which provides scholarship funding to Miami’s student-athletes, and James plays in the
student-athletes,” James said. “We just can’t wait to
do something for student-athletes.
see next fall who the first person is going to be to
We just can’t wait to see next fall
for his former coach.
who the first person is going to be
Proceeds from the event go toward the Bill Mallory
to receive this.”
Scholarship Fund, another inspiration for James.
JAMES TEUFEL
“It’s nice to play and give back,” he said. “I had no
receive this.” Graduating with bachelor’s degrees in education, the Teufels entered the teaching workforce, James at Delphos in northern Ohio and Hazel in the Dixie school system in New Lebanon, Ohio. They married in 1973. Both kept connections to athletics. James served first as a football coach, then as a jack-of-all-trades, coaching golf, track and field, and basketball. Hazel spent several years as a cheerleading coach, first at Dixie and then later at Eaton, where she taught Spanish and English for 18 years. By designating the Miami University Foundation as a beneficiary of their estate for a minimum of $1
annual golf fundraiser held each summer named
idea what he could do for me, but he apparently had “My only choice,” said Hazel, born and raised in West Alexandria, about 30 miles north of Oxford. “You’re away from home, but you’re close enough if
an answer, and it was …” “It was what you needed,” Hazel added. ■
you needed anything or wanted anything.” The Teufels reconnected with Miami in 2011 when James received an invitation to a football game. From there, discussions eventually led to the Teufels’ gift, which is part of the university’s Match
To learn more about gift planning options, contact Jayne Whitehead H.A. ’06, J.D., senior director of development for gift planning, at jayne.whitehead@ MiamiOH.edu and 513-529-5223 or visit MiamiOH. edu/GiftPlanning.
the Promise initiative.
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GIVINGTRIBUTE
Gearhart family finds passion at Goggin Ice Arena Gift will fund scholarships for future generations of Miami Hockey When his son was 7 years old, Kyle
“I’m able to give appreciated securities to a
Gearhart ’92 took him to his first
charitable trust and get the tax benefits now, but
Miami Ice Hockey game. The effect
continue to manage that money for long-term growth,” said Kyle, a finance and economics major
on young Hayden was electric. He
at Miami who works as a certified financial planner
started playing a couple weeks later
at Raymond James and Associates in Cincinnati. “I
– even though he could barely skate across the ice. And so began the Gearhart family’s now decadelong passion for RedHawks hockey. The family of five (including son Reed and daughter Reagan, 13-year-old twins) can often be found at the Goggin Ice Center clad in red and white. The family has held season tickets since 2011, cheering on a squad that, in 2009 and 2010, played in the NCAA Tournament Frozen Four. While they’ve made many annual gifts to the athletic department in support of Miami Ice
can diversify and invest in other things inside the trust. I hope that it’s a much bigger gift that Miami can expect someday.” Of the couple’s reasons for making the planned gift, Kyle said, “I had a great experience at Miami, and I
“Doc” Kusel ’39 played football at the university.
would love to see others be able to have that same
“It’s a great way for us to give back and support his
opportunity.”
love of Miami.”
As a student, Kyle considered a career in
Giving back through a charitable remainder trust is
engineering, but he instead opted for business.
a bit unusual at the Gearharts’ stage in life. It meets
Miami was his natural choice to pursue his degree.
their family’s needs while also allowing them to
“It actually was the only place I applied,” he said. “The business school had a strong reputation, and it was a state school, so the cost was reasonable.”
family affair, with roots extending deep in Oxford. “I play now, and my children play, because of Miami,” Kyle said.
Hockey, Kyle and his wife, Melissa, have established a larger gift that will fund scholarships for future
support what they love. And, hockey is every bit the
“I had a great experience at Miami,
Last year, Hayden, now 16, and his team was
appreciated stock used to fund a charitable
and I would love to see others be
runner-up for the Ohio Scholastic Hockey League’s
remainder trust, allows the Gearharts’ to save
able to have that same opportunity.”
one day shooting on goal at the Goggin. ■
generations of Miami hockey players. The gift,
capital gain and estate taxes, while continuing to receive income from the trust. The trust will benefit
KYLE GEARHART
several of the Gearharts’ charitable interests in addition to Miami hockey. While the Gearharts are younger than most planned gift contributors, they note that establishing the trust makes sense for them. It allows them to provide significant support for their philanthropic interests in a tax efficient manner – and allows them to make a larger contribution by doing so. 6
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Buckeye Cup. Don’t be surprised if a Gearhart is
At Miami, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Unsurprisingly, he attended more hockey matches than football and basketball games “because they were much more fun to watch.” “Miami has always been important to Kyle, because it was the foundation for his successful career in finance,” said Melissa, whose grandfather, Norman
Miami’s Gift Planning team can provides ideas to help you maximize your gifts to support Your Miami passions. Contact Jayne Whitehead, Matt Borden or Matt Kuhn and at 513-529-1286 for assistance or visit our website at GiftPlanning.MiamiOH.edu for more information.
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
Gift establishes fund for Miami Cross Country coaching position Richard Cunningham ’66 was outstanding runner for Red and White Richard Cunningham ’66 and his wife, Kathleen
Cunningham said, “We also had incredible coaches
Doyle, have made a seven-figure leadership gift to
in Bob Epskamp and Stan Imhulse who contributed
endow the cross country head coaching position at
greatly to our success and overall experience.”
Miami University.
“Miami turned out to be what I needed in the
A decorated distance runner for the Red and White,
moment,” he said. “It was one of those things. I
Cunningham competed in both cross country and
never visited. I’d never heard of it. It just turned out
track field at Miami, was an NCAA qualifier and a
to be the right place.”
Mid-American Conference champion. He won the indoor men’s mile during the NCAA meet of 1964. Cunningham was also part of the 1965 team that won the MAC Championship.
It wasn’t the last time Cunningham found himself in the right place at the right time. Upon graduation and looking for a career path, a well-timed phone call led to him joining the Marine Corps. He
“Miami just kind of rescued me,” said Cunningham,
eventually found his way west to California and
a retired Lt. Colonel in the United States Marine
later re-established a relationship with Miami in the
Corps who now lives in Orinda, California.
1990s, returning to campus a few times a year.
“After you get to a certain age, you realize there are certain institutions and organizations in your
positions and individual programs is a significant
“Miami turned out to be what I
life that made you the way you are. Sometimes you
needed in the moment. It was one
are fortunate enough that you find them at pivotal
of those things. I never visited. I’d
moments in your life, and certainly Miami was a major one for me.”
never heard of it. It just turned out
A Glen Ellyn, Illinois native, Cunningham
to be the right place.”
graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
RICHARD CUNNINGHAM
communications and earned his master’s degree in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 1972. “We had a core of really good distance runners while I was at Miami, including Olympic champion Bob Schul and two-time Olympian Jack Bacheler.”
future student-athletes. Endowing head coaching
“Through the generosity of Richard and Kathleen, Miami will be in a position to attract and retain top talent and provide additional resources for our cross country program,” said David Sayler, Miami’s director of athletics. “This significant gift will help us provide the best experience possible for
priority for us moving forward to help ensure the continued growth and success of Miami Athletics and our mission of Graduating Champions.” The Richard Cunningham and Kathleen Doyle Cross Country Fund is part of our mission of Graduating Champions. This mission focuses on providing guidance and support to Miami students committed to their unyielding pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. ■
Learn more about the Graduating Champions Campaign at MiamiOH.edu/GraduatingChampions or by contacting Jon Schemmel, senior director of development for intercollegiate athletics, at 513-529-8285 or schemmjr@MiamiOH.edu.
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GIVINGTRIBUTE
Stephanie, Bailey ’16 and Jamie Truesdell ’82 at Bailey’s graduation from Miami. 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
Life lessons leave a legacy for Truesdell family Scholarship honors Jamie Truesdell ’82 Bailey Truesdell ’16 would hear the
president until the business was sold in 1991. He
match payments for eight academic years. The
stories. Often.
continued in business with TPS Co. LLC and later
Truesdells committed $100,000 to be paid over a
sold real estate with Bruce Pollock & Associates
four-year period to establish the endowment.
His father, James “Jamie” Truesdell ’82, would talk
as he and his wife, Stephanie, built a family life
about his playing days as an offensive lineman
in Grand Blanc, Michigan, with sons Bailey and
for Miami Football, how hot the practices in
Carson. Carson graduated from Boston College in
August would get, about the bonds he formed with
2017 and recently moved to Charlotte, closer to his
his teammates.
older brother, to work for Ernst & Young.
Bailey discovered Miami through those stories and
Nonprofit work played an active role in Jamie’s life,
through the Red and White memorabilia Jamie kept
too. He spent 10 years on the Whaley Children’s
in the house. Jamie didn’t push his son to choose
Center Board and served with the Foundation for
Miami when it came time for Bailey to look at
Mott Community College and Goodwill Industries
colleges, but once the younger Truesdell visited the
of Mid-Michigan.
Oxford campus, it became an easy decision. A fondness for Miami wasn’t the only thing Bailey
“Scholarships are the foundation.
learned from his father. He saw selflessness in
They’re the lifeblood of our success.”
Jamie’s service to his community. He saw hard work
ZAC ZEDRICK, HEAD COACH OF MIAMI GOLF
and the successful results it produced in business.
“He was so driven on not letting the disease run his life,” Bailey said. “He would rather live than die. That was something he always told me, ‘I know I’m dying, but I want to finish living first.’” Jamie passed away in December 2016 at the age of 56, but his lessons of perseverance and giving back continue with the Truesdell Family Miami Men’s Golf Endowed Scholarship. Bailey, now living in Charlotte, North Carolina, and working for Bank of America, was a four-year varsity golfer for the RedHawks. After earning a degree in business management, Jamie was the third generation to work for family owned J. Austin Oil Co. of Flint, Inc., serving as
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lifeblood of our success,” said Zac Zedrick, head coach of Miami Golf. “To have a commitment like this, it’s incredibly humbling and incredibly special, especially in getting to know the Truesdell family and how much Miami means to that family.” Jamie kept in touch with his Miami teammates over the years, including close friends Trey Busch and Bob Simpson. As he battled cancer, Jamie still attended Miami football games. During Bailey’s student days, father and son chatted on the phone about all of Miami’s athletic programs. “He was so determined to always put that best foot
And he saw determination as Jamie battled colon cancer for seven years.
“Scholarships are the foundation. They’re the
“I think the lessons Jamie learned from Miami and football carried through his life,” Stephanie said. “Giving back, doing service, working on boards, doing what is right – that is how Jamie made a difference. He wanted to leave an impact on the world and show other people that being passionate about a cause can make a huge difference in the community. Helping others and giving back was a very big part of life for him.” “He showed the boys, ‘This is how you do it. This is how you really make an impact.’ He really crammed a lot of life lessons into a short time for our children, for many people.” As part of the Miami University Match the Promise Initiative, Miami will provide annual scholarship
forward without complaining,” Stephanie said. “I think that’s another tribute to his love for Miami, just to show that, ‘I can do this.’” Jamie showed that same resolve while attending golf tournaments, where he’d walk 18 holes to follow play. Golf was always a big part of the relationship between Jamie and Bailey. The family played many rounds at Flint Golf Club, their home club, and Bailey recalled his father usually winning – until Bailey turned 12 and began getting the better of their friendly matches. The two traveled the country for Bailey’s tournaments, where Jamie imparted more life lessons.
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
“It was the little things he would do here and there,”
about Jamie while talking about the impact of the
Bailey said. “That was one thing that always stuck with
scholarship.
me, just how to treat people. You never know when you’re going to need someone’s help somewhere. ”
“It’s great to have someone receive it who I know
“I still to this day can’t believe how much effort he
and has been thriving at Miami,” Bailey said. “I’ve
put in for nothing in return. The scholarship shows
seen him grow in the same way I developed here.”
his desire to give back, his connection to Miami and
and respect. I know that Brian really appreciates it
all the things Miami gave him and our family.”
The Truesdell family’s connection to the golf team
Discussing it with his family, Jamie wanted the
Zedrick as someone who could be counted on
Truesdell scholarship put to good use in an
for constant support, Jamie’s affinity toward the
area of need. Brian Ohr, a redshirt junior from
program, and all Miami Athletics, was clear.
Northbrook, Illinois, and a teammate of Bailey’s,
goes beyond the scholarship. Described by Coach
was the initial recipient.
“It was always, ‘If there is anything I can do to
“Bailey was a huge positive impact on my first few
are both wonderful people, and I got to know
years at Miami and on the golf team,” Brian said.
Carson. They are a very close-knit family, and they
“He treated me like a younger brother guiding
really care about each other. I really cherished
me through the ins and outs of college and never
the relationship I had with Jamie, Stephanie,
hesitated when I was in need of help. I only had a
Bailey and Carson.
few encounters with his dad, but I could see where Bailey got his generosity and character. Even now with Bailey moving on and graduating from Miami, receiving the Truesdell scholarship continues to have a lasting impact on my time at Miami, and I still feel Bailey’s and the Truesdells’ presence and it really means so much.” Having a recipient who truly appreciates the scholarship means much to the Truesdell family as well. Bailey and Brian have since traded stories
help, let me know,’” he said. “Jamie and Stephanie
“It was a special gift, and it’s always going to be a special gift. It’s the perfect symbol of how much they really care about Miami.” Knowing that Jamie’s legacy lives on at Miami is fitting for a man who treasured his time in Oxford and the values he learned as a Miamian. “This was the one last thing he wanted to do,” Stephanie said. “He was a great dad, a loving
Bailey ’16 and Jamie Truesdell ’82.
husband. Miami is a special place. I feel so good about the fact that we had the ability to create this scholarship. We want it to continue forever, for a long time. I hope it will. I know it will.” ■
Learn more about the Graduating Champions Campaign at MiamiOH.edu/ GraduatingChampions or by contacting Jon Schemmel, senior director of development for intercollegiate athletics, at 513-529-8285 or schemmjr@MiamiOH.edu.
Miami donor support stays strong for calendar year 2017 University recorded fourth highest fundraising period in history Alumni and friends of Miami University made calendar year 2017 one of the university’s most successful fundraising cycles. New gifts and pledges totaled $60 million during the period from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2017, the fourth best year in Miami’s history. “The generous support of our donors is remarkable,” said Tom Herbert, Miami’s senior vice president of university advancement. “They continue to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of our students.” Highlights from calendar year 2017 include: • $29 million, 48 percent of total commitments, generated for scholarships. Now 3½ years into the five-year Miami Promise Scholarship Campaign, the university has raised $95 million toward the $100 million goal; • Nearly $4 million raised for the Annual Fund, an increase of 3 percent compared to 2016; • Alumni gave $43 million for 71 percent of commitments, followed by corporations and
foundations ($10 million for 17 percent), and
“It is an honor to see such overwhelming
parents and friends ($7 million for 12 percent).
commitment from our alumni and supporters,”
Additionally, $9.9 million contributed to Intercollegiate Athletics pushed the ongoing Graduating Champions Campaign to $71.7 million.
Miami University President Greg Crawford said. “Their partnership and engagement is a critical foundation for the university, enabling us to provide the best undergraduate experience in the country for our students.” ■
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Annual Advancement Awards honors 13 individuals and a team Alumni, faculty, students and friends of Miami University recognized for extraordinary accomplishments Miami University’s Division of Advancement presented 10 alumni awards and four philanthropy awards at the 2018 Annual Advancement Awards dinner on May 3. The honorees included alumni, faculty, students and friends of Miami who were recognized for their achievements and service to the university or society as a whole. The Alumni Awards date back to the 1950s under the university’s first alumni director, John E. Dolibois ’42. Last year, four philanthropy awards were introduced, changing the name of the program to the Advancement Awards. Honored faculty included Jan Taylor, a lecturer in the Farmer School of Business, who was nominated by former students to receive the William Holmes McGuffey Award, formerly called the Effective Educator Award. University Libraries Dean Jerome
Elizabeth “Like” Lokon M.A.T. ‘93, Ph.D. ‘97, M.G.S. ‘08 – Bishop Medal Donald L. Crain ’70 – John E. Dolibois Award Pam Archer ’82 – A.K. Morris Award Elizabeth Mullenix – Dave Roberts Award
Conley and Peter Kole became honorary alumni
Jan Taylor – William Holmes McGuffey Award
after their years of dedication to the university.
Jerome Conley – Honorary Alumni Award
Marking the first time a team was recognized at
Peter Kole – Honorary Alumni Award
the ceremony, the Miami Women’s Basketball team members were recognized for their philanthropic efforts with the Love.Honor.Care campaign. Alumnus Dave Dafoe ’84 received Philanthropist of the Year, the highest honor in philanthropy a Miamian can receive. Earlier this year, Dafoe announced a $30.1 million gift to the College of Arts and Science. Meet the 2018 honorees:
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Steph Andrews Mazzocco ’10 – H. Kenneth
Gambee Young Alumni Award Brittany Menkol ’10 – Young
Philanthropist of the Year Susan Naus ’67 – Spirit of Philanthropy Award Miami Women’s Basketball Team – Student
Philanthropist of the Year Dave Dafoe ’84 – Philanthropist of the Year
Saifoulaye “Sofa” Bah ‘18 – Love and Honor Cup Marta Stewart ‘18 – Love and Honor Cup
“These individuals have supported the university through historic gifts, years of philanthropic efforts and immeasurable acts of service,” said Kim Tavares MBA ’12, executive director of MUAA. “They have been enthusiastic helping hands at countless alumni events and inspired fellow alumni through their leadership and energy, and we are immensely proud to call each of them Miamians.” During the ceremony, Steve Snyder ’73, MBA ’75, president of the MUAA Board of Directors, presented the alumni awards, including for the first time the Love and Honor Cup. Members of the Miami University Foundation Board, Chair Mark Sullivan ’81 and Vice Chair Steve Anderson ’79, presented the philanthropy awards alongside University Ambassador Renate Crawford and Miami President Greg Crawford. ■
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
M.I.A.M.I. WOMEN Hawk Tank, Leadership Symposium impact Miami community Initiative’s fifth year highlighted by grant funding and fast-pitch event The Miami Initiative for Advancing, Mentoring and Investing in Women (M.I.A.M.I. WOMEN) awarded nearly $104,000 in Giving Circle grants during the annual Leadership Symposium on April 12. Finalists pitched their projects the previous evening at the inaugural Hawk Tank event. From the 37 students, faculty and staff of the Oxford and regional campuses who applied for grant funding, the M.I.A.M.I. WOMEN Grants Committee invited 15 finalists to participate in Hawk Tank, a fast-pitch event modeled after the popular TV show Shark Tank. In total, funding requests reached more than $440,000. All Miami students, faculty and staff were encouraged to apply for the grants, and projects could benefit all genders. Projects were judged on their community, student or university impact and spanned a wide range of topics and disciplines,
Girls Who Code – $3,000 Careers Involving Quantitative Skills Day: Empowering Women to Explore Quantitative Fields – $10,000 Miami Women’s Ice Hockey – $20,000 Miami Inclusivity Program – $20,000 Creating a Community-Based Action Project for Future Teachers – $9,985 Launching KICK GLASS Marketing: A Program to Break the Glass Ceiling in Marketing – $5,000
members to create a $200,000 pool to support more
Mentoring SLAM Students in Sport Leadership – $9,125
“The Giving Circle’s first year was a terrific success,” said Sharon Mitchell, co-chair of the M.I.A.M.I.
Opening Minds through Art (OMA): Mentoring System for Intergenerational Art Program for People with Dementia – $7,500
WOMEN Steering Committee. “Contributing
Sexual Assault is not Just a Women’s Issue – $10,000
Many were so excited by the experience, they have
Beyond – $9,126
During the exciting, fast-pitch event, three panelists asked finalists questions after each pitch. Dr. Judith Rymer ’61, a professor with a more than 50-year career in higher education; Joi M. Sears, a creative strategist, professor and social entrepreneur; and Greg Van Kirk ’91, an Ashoka Globalizer Fellow and the Schwab Foundation’s 2012 “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” formed the panel. After the event, Giving Circle members voted and selected 10 grant recipients who were announced on the following day at the Leadership Symposium. In total, 10 projects received $103,736 in grant funding:
BY ELECTION
Mark Sullivan ’81 Chair Wilton, CT
Steve Anderson ’79 Vice-Chair Medina, OH
Sue Henry ’73
Prior to Hawk Tank, grant finalists received fastpitch training from Tim Holcomb, Cintas Chair in Entrepreneurship, and Brett Smith, director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and founding director of the Center for Social Entrepreneurship. This training taught valuable presentation skills by helping participants outline their goals and mission in a succinct, engaging format.
for next year.”
on-campus Leadership Symposium in efforts to advance and mentor Miami women. The 2018 symposium covered the theme, “Your Awakened Self: Mindful Leadership and Empowerment.” Speakers ranging from health professionals and Miami professors to alumnae and coaches led a day full of mindfulness and self-care. The event sold out with more than 300 participants registered. The 2019 Leadership Symposium will be April 10. ■
The M.I.A.M.I. WOMEN Giving Circle, a collective fundraising effort, made Hawk Tank possible. Each member of the Giving Circle donates $1,000 yearly, creating this year’s grant pool that totaled
Dr. Richard Chaifetz Lake Forest, IL
James Chapman ’72 Powell, OH
Sharon Mitchell ’73 West Chester, OH
Beth Mynhier ’82 Lake Forest, IL
To join the Women’s Giving Circle, contact Heidi Bortel ’99, director of development, at 513-529- 4635 or Heidi.Bortel@MiamiOH.edu, or visit GivetoMiamiOH.org/WomensGivingCircle.
BY SERVICE TO MIAMI
Greg Crawford
President, Miami University
Phyllis Callahan
Giving Tribute Staff Josh Chapin ’02
Assistant Director, Editorial Services
Donald Crain ’70
Lynn Pistell Millboro, VA
Provost and Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs
Auriel Buchanan
David Dafoe ‘84
Aaron Ryan ’96
Tom Herbert
Brad Campbell
Thomas Hayden ’82
Alison Sanger ’93
Cynthia Henderson ’90
Ellen Schubert ’83
West Chester, OH Prospect, KY
Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati, OH
Secretary Arlington, VA
David Koschik ’79
Rick Amos ’87
Charles Landes ’74
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Biff Bowman ’85
Lynn Larson ’79
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Mary Ann Casati ’77
Richard McVey ’81
New York, NY
breadth of the projects we were able to fund.
Since 2014, M.I.A.M.I. WOMEN has hosted an
$104,000 from 104 members. Next year’s goal is 200
Miami University Foundation Board of Directors 2017
members were amazed at the creativity and
already renewed their Giving Circle membership
Empowering Leadership on Campus and
from STEM to women’s ice hockey.
projects in the Miami University community.
Montclair, NJ
Greenwich, CT
Maplewood, NJ Oakland, CA
Old Greenwich, CT
Sylvia Stanfield ’65 Washington, D.C.
BY APPOINTMENT FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES
David Budig ’84 Cincinnati, OH
Mark Ridenour ’82
Senior Vice President, University Advancement and President, Miami University Foundation
Copywriter
Manager, Graphic Design
Jessica Staubach Graphic Designer
David Creamer
Emilie Davis
Senior Vice President, Finance and Business Services/Treasurer
Associate Director, Stewardship and Donor Relations
Jayne Brownell
Kevin Wilson ’04, M.A. ’06
Vice President, Student Affairs
Director, Donor Relations
Michael Kabbaz
Kevin Marks MS ’85
Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success
Assistant Vice President, Campaign Services
Toledo, OH
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 GivetoMiamiOH.org/Foundation.
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Rinella Center finds new home in Shriver Center Space includes large tutoring center and seminar room The Bernard B. Rinella, Jr. Learning Center held
services designed to help students be independent
its official opening in its new space in the Shriver
and successful learners.
Center in May, welcoming donors Bernie and Gloria Rinella for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of a plaque in memory of their son, for
The ribbon-cutting event showcased students who have benefited from the center’s services and
whom the center is named.
allowed guests to tour its space in Shriver Center,
The Rinella Center provides programs and services
includes a large tutoring center with more than
to help students with learning differences succeed in
a dozen individual and group tutoring spaces, a
and out of the classroom. The center offers learning
testing center used to provide a quiet environment
assessments, academic counseling and coaching,
for those who require accommodations for learning
academic interventions, tutoring, study strategies,
or physical disabilities and a seminar room used for
where it relocated in 2017. The Rinella Center now
testing accommodations and a variety of other
presentations and workshops.■
Miami University Office of Development Leadership
Jon Schemmel
Tom Herbert
Emily Berry ’01, M.A. ’11
Senior Director of Development, Intercollegiate Athletics
Senior Vice President and President of Miami University Foundation
Assistant Vice President, Individual and Annual Giving
Brad Bundy H.A. ’13
Heidi Bortel ’99
Senior Associate Vice President and Campaign Director
Director of Development, Women’s Initiatives
Randall Pratt
Assistant Vice President, Regional Programs
Associate Vice President of Development, Principal Gifts and Presidential Priorities
Mackenzie Becker Rice ’99
Assistant Vice President, Donor Engagement and Board Relations
Jill Gaby ’91
Evan Lichtenstein
Senior Director of Development, College of Arts and Science
Kevin Marks M.S. ’85
Assistant Vice President, Campaign Services
Ellen Paxton
Senior Director, Regional Advancement
Susie Brower Sadler ’84
Assistant Vice President for Academic Programs and Projects
Jayne Whitehead H.A. ’06, J.D. Senior Director, Gift Planning
David Zilch ’84
Senior Director of Development, Farmer School of Business
Jay Fridy
Director of Development, College of Engineering and Computing
Brian Furnish ’01
Assistant Vice President, Development Corporate and Foundation Relations
Michael Kumler ’97
Director of Development, Student Affairs, University Libraries, Graduate School
Ryan Elias
Associate Vice President, Development, Corporate and Foundation Relations
Kirk Bogard ’88
Associate Vice President for Development, Farmer School of Business
Miami University Office of Development | Panuska Development Center | 725 E. Chestnut St. | Oxford, OH 45056 | 513-529-1230 | MUDevelopment@MiamiOH.edu | GivetoMiamiOH.org
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