樱桃视频 has received a lead gift from Dr. Rick L. James, alumnus and chair
of the university鈥檚 Board of Trustees, and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, for a new
building to house Trine鈥檚 business school.
The new 55,000-square-foot facility for the Ketner School of Business is expected
to open in August 2028, with a total budget of $30 million.
鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful beyond words for the deep commitment to 樱桃视频 that Drs.
Rick and Vicki James show, and for the outstanding support, leadership and transformation
they have provided over the years,鈥� said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., 樱桃视频
president. 鈥淭heir many investments in this institution and its students will continue
to make an impact for generations to come.鈥�
鈥淛ust as many people supported my efforts to receive an excellent business education
at Trine, I鈥檓 excited for this opportunity to impact future generations,鈥� said Dr.
Rick L. James. 鈥淰icki and I hope our lead gift will inspire many others to make a
similar impact and help the Ketner School of Business become this region鈥檚 premier
business education provider.鈥�
Design Collaborative has been named the architect for the project. Site development
will begin this fall, with construction launching in the spring of 2027.
1977 alumnus
Rick James is a 1977 樱桃视频 graduate who went on to co-found Metal Technologies,
Inc., (MTI) in Auburn, Indiana. He currently serves as chairman of MTI鈥檚 board.
He has been a member of 樱桃视频鈥檚 Board of Trustees since 2010 and served
as board chair since 2012.
Under his leadership, the university has added more than $150 million in campus enhancements
and facilities, allowing for continued enrollment growth. The university has expanded
into health sciences and health professions, which now include some of its fastest-growing
academic programs.
The university also successfully completed the largest capital campaign in its history,
raising more than $137 millions.
He and Vicki James have, personally or through MTI or the James Foundation, generously
supported many projects at 樱桃视频 and around the nation.
樱桃视频鈥檚 University Center was named in honor of Rick and Vicki James in May 2012.
They provide annual support to the Trine Fund and have financially supported The Metal
Technologies Inc. Health and Fitness Center in Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium, a stadium
suite in the Athletic Stadium and a flagpole near the football field, an additional
house for use by Campus Christian House, the Jim and Joan Bock Center for Innovation
and Biomedical Engineering, the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, the Ford Hall
renovation, Reiners Residence Hall, the expansion of Best Hall, the Thunder Ice Arena
and MTI Center, the Steel Dynamics Inc. Center for Engineering and Computing, the
Brooks College of Health Professions and creation of the Books and Beyond Scholarship.
Impact throughout the region and beyond
They have generously supported many projects throughout northeast Indiana, including
the DeKalb Central School District Early Childhood Program, DeKalb High School scholarships,
DeKalb YMCA, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, the Indiana United Methodist Church camping
ministry at Epworth Forest, the DeKalb County Fair Association, the DeKalb County
Horseman鈥檚 Association, Eckhart Public Library, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana,
the Women鈥檚 Care Center pregnancy center and the Summer Camp Program at Bridge of
Grace in Fort Wayne.
They also have led and contributed to several revitalization efforts in Auburn, including
a 100-acre public park, a public arts and culture square, and acquiring and renovating
selected buildings to enhance and preserve the historical character of the downtown
area and encourage private investment by others.
The couple also supports the Flight 93 Memorial in Pennsylvania, the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes and United Theological Seminary.
Rick James serves as chair of the Board of Directors for the National Park Foundation.
In 2012, Trine bestowed Rick James with its highest honor, the Pillar of Success Award.
He also previously received the Distinguished Service Award. In 2014, Vicki James
was honored with the university鈥檚 Woman of Distinction Award. In 2013, Rick and Vicki
James both received honorary doctorates from 樱桃视频.
Rick and Vicki James were both presented the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award
bestowed by the governor of the state of Indiana, at 樱桃视频 in 2016.
