University Center Dedication

Trine University president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., left, presents a plaque to Rick and Vicki James May 4 following a dedication ceremony. Trine's University Center is now named in their honor and will be known as the Rick L. and Vicki L. James University Center.

 

Trine dedicates University Center to Rick and Vicki James

Trine University officials dedicated its award-winning University Center to Rick and Vicki James, a couple who have been instrumental in the school’s advancements in the last decade.

“Just as this building has become a central focal point of our transforming campus, Rick and Vicki have become a central part of the continued success of the vision of this premier institution,” said Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., during a dedication ceremony May 4.

Together, they have spearheaded multiple efforts on campus, including, most notably, the Books and Beyond Scholarship Program, which assists deserving students demonstrating financial need, the Metal Technologies Inc. Health and Fitness Center, Trine’s internationally recognized cast metals program and the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts.

“Much of their philanthropy is anonymous and takes place behind the scenes,” Brooks said. “They have agreed to lend their name to this University Center as an encouragement for others to support Trine’s mission and continue Trine’s march of excellence.”

Rick James graduated from Tri-State University in 1977 with a degree in business administration. He has served as chairman and CEO for Metal Technologies for the past 13 years. He was president and chief executive for Auburn Foundry for nine years, and served the company in various other positions, including vice president for sales, sales manager and production manager, for 12 years prior to that time. He now serves on the university’s board of trustees.

Vicki James has been an active member of the Black and White Scholarship Gala committee, which has raised over $1 million for student scholarships in the past decade. She is active in her church, where she leads a successful Bible study and mentors children through confirmation.

The Jameses are looking forward to the university’s continued progress. In the past decade, Trine completed a $90 million campaign with $75 million invested in facility improvements, now the university is looking toward its next capital campaign, which aims to increase its endowment, which focuses on student scholarships, professional development, academic program and university sustainability and growth.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.