Spring 2007

Gift to Business School Builds Strong Foundation

The new, 200,000-square-foot building, currently under construction to house the Farmer School of Business, has received a boost from long-time friends of Miami University . A multi-million gift from Jim '72 and Amy Miller Chapman '81 of Columbus , Ohio , provides support for this important capital project.

"In their decision to provide an important capital gift, the Chapmans are demonstrating, once again, their faith in the quality of education we provide to our students," said Dean Roger L. Jenkins. "By helping create first-class learning facilities, their investment will have an impact on students of today and tomorrow."

When complete, the Farmer School 's six academic departments and various centers, as well as its co-curricular activities, will all be located under one roof for the first time in more than a decade. High-tech meeting rooms and a trading room will connect students and faculty to business leaders and markets throughout the world. A 500-seat auditorium will provide much-needed space to house speaker events and other programs. The Farmer School 's new building will be ready for occupancy in 2009.

Jim Chapman is chairman and chief executive officer of Red Capital Markets, Inc. in Columbus , Ohio . He also serves on the Red Capital Group's executive committee. A founding partner of the investment banking broker-dealer firm of Meuse , Rinker & Chapman, the predecessor of Banc One Capital Corp., Chapman has been active in underwriting, trading and selling securities for more than 30 years. He is a member of the Farmer School 's Business Advisory Council and serves on the school's steering committee for The Miami University Campaign For Love and Honor .

After earning a marketing degree at Miami , Amy Chapman worked for a Columbus law firm before moving to the investment banking firm of Meuse , Rinker & Chapman. Amy has been active in numerous community activities, including the Childhood League, the Harding Evans Foundation and the Homeless Family Foundation.

In recent years, the Chapmans have made other strategic gifts to support the Farmer School 's mission. In tribute to the Chapmans' many contributions and leadership gift, Miami will name the new dean's office suite in their honor.

"We are most grateful to the Chapmans and are pleased that the new Jim and Amy Chapman Dean's Office Suite will keep their names before faculty, staff and students in perpetuity," said Miami President David C. Hodge.