The Campus Review
November 6, 2026
Miami University has received a commitment of up to $100 million from the Farmer Family Foundation, marking the largest philanthropic gift in the university’s 217-year history.
Announced on November 5, 2026, the Miami University $100 million gift will support the Farmer School of Business over the next decade.
The initial commitment includes $55 million over three years, with additional funding tied to future performance and matching arrangements.
The investment will strengthen business education through technology, experiential learning, quantitative skills, and career readiness.
This historic investment also pushed the Miami University fundraising campaign, “For love. For honor. For those who will,” past its $1 billion target.
Fast Facts About the Miami University $100 Million Gift
The following facts highlight the gift’s value, funding timeline, recipient, and significance for Miami University.
| Metric | Details |
| Total commitment | Up to $100 million |
| Initial funding | $55 million over three years |
| Funding period | Up to 10 years |
| Donor | Farmer Family Foundation |
| Recipient | Farmer School of Business |
| Historical milestone | Largest gift in Miami University’s history |
| National recognition | Among the three largest gifts to a public undergraduate business school in the US |
| Fundraising milestone | Helped Miami reach its $1 billion campaign goal |
Where Will the $100 Million Gift Go?
The investment will support four strategic priorities at the Farmer School of Business.
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology: Miami will embed modern digital tools, machine learning modules, and analytics directly into core business courses.
- Experiential Learning: Students will work on active industry consulting projects, venture creation, and real-world corporate challenges.
- Professional Credentials: The funding will underwrite industry certifications to give undergraduates an immediate edge in hiring pipelines.
- Global Programs: The gift will expand study-away programs and international business internships to provide students with cross-cultural field experience.
The foundation’s commitment includes a $25 million matching gift to encourage additional donations toward these priorities.
What University Leaders and Donors Said
Miami University President Gregory Crawford highlighted the significance of the Miami University $100 million gift, describing it as a major milestone for the institution.
“This extraordinary gift is the largest in Miami’s history and will enable the Farmer School of Business to continue its trajectory as one of the most distinguished business schools both nationally and worldwide,” Crawford said.
Jenny Darroch, dean of the Farmer School of Business, explained how the funding would strengthen the school’s existing approach to business education.
“This gift isn’t about changing who we are; it’s about amplifying what we already do best. We have always been a school that prides itself on being market-responsive and student-focused,” Darroch said.
Scott Farmer, executive chairman of Cintas Corporation and son of the university’s longtime supporters Dick and Joyce Farmer, also highlighted the family’s connection to Miami.
“Our parents were shaped by their time at Miami, and a love of the university was passed down to their three children,” Farmer said.
A Long-Standing Partnership Between the Farmer Family and Miami University
The Farmer family’s relationship with Miami University spans several decades. Richard T. “Dick” Farmer graduated in 1956 with a business degree, while Joyce Farmer graduated in 1957 with a degree in elementary education.
Dick Farmer founded what became Cintas Corporation in 1968.
Their contributions to the university include:
- 1992: Dick and Joyce Farmer provided a cornerstone gift to the School of Business.
- 2005: The Farmer Family Foundation became the lead donor for the construction of the Farmer School of Business building.
- 2016: The family and foundation contributed $40 million, setting the university’s previous philanthropic gift record.
- 2026: The foundation announced its commitment of up to $100 million, establishing a new university record.
Miami University Surpasses Its $1 Billion Fundraising Goal
The Farmer family’s commitment also helped Miami University reach its $1 billion target for its comprehensive fundraising campaign, For love. For honor. For those who will.
The campaign supports scholarships, academic programs, university facilities, and other institutional priorities.
According to the university, approximately $320 million has been earmarked for student scholarships. More than 57,000 alumni and friends have contributed to the campaign.
Although the university has reached its $1 billion goal, the campaign will continue until June 30, 2027.
Through the transformative Miami University $100 million gift, the institution secures permanent resources to prepare the next generation of business leaders with practical, technology-driven skills.
Pranjal Kharche
