Trine University receives lead gift for new business school building

Trine University has received a lead gift for its new business school building from university alumnus Dr. Rick L. James and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James. The new Ketner School of Business is expected to open in August 2028 and will cost a projected $30 million. 

According to an article on Trine University’s website, Dr. Rick L. James is quoted as saying of the gift, “Just as many people supported my efforts to receive an excellent business education at Trine, I’m excited for this opportunity to impact future generations. Vicki 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’s premier business education provider.”

Dr. Rick L. James graduated from Trine University in 1977. He co-founded Metal Technologies, Inc. and is currently the chairman of its board. He is also board chair of the university’s Board of Trustees since 2012, having served as a board member since 2010. He and Vicki have supported the university extensively, including through annual support to the Trine Fund, and support for The Metal Technologies Inc. Health and Fitness Center in Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium, 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.

The university’s University Center was named after the Jameses in 2012, reflecting their immense impact on the university. Additionally, Rick James has received the university’s Pillar of Success Award and its Distinguished Service Award, and Vicki James has received the Woman of Distinction Award. Both of the Jameses received honorary doctorates from the university in 2013. In 2016, both of the Jameses were presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash.

In addition to their support of the university, the couple has been philanthropic in the community for many years. They have lent financial support to 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’s Association, Eckhart Public Library, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, the Women’s Care Center pregnancy center, the Summer Camp Program at Bridge of Grace in Fort Wayne, the Flight 93 Memorial in Pennsylvania, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the United Theological Seminary.

Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., the university’s president, said of their contribution to the Ketner School of Business and their previous gifts to the university, “We’re grateful beyond words for the deep commitment to Trine University that Drs. Rick and Vicki James show, and for the outstanding support, leadership and transformation they have provided over the years. Their many investments in this institution and its students will continue to make an impact for generations to come.”

For more information about Trine University, visit the school’s website.