Rick and Vicki James provide lead gift to support new business school building at Trine

Trine University has received a lead gift from Dr. Rick L. James, alumnus and chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, for a new building to house Trine’s 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.

“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,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “Their many investments in this institution and its students will continue to make an impact for generations to come.”

“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,” said Dr. Rick L. James. “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.”

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 Trine University graduate who went on to co-found Metal Technologies, Inc., (MTI) in Auburn, Indiana. He currently serves as chairman of MTI’s board.

He has been a member of Trine University’s 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 Trine University and around the nation.

Trine’s 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’s Association, Eckhart Public Library, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, the Women’s 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’s Woman of Distinction Award. In 2013, Rick and Vicki James both received honorary doctorates from Trine University.

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 Trine University in 2016.