(ANGOLA) - Trine University has received a lead gift to support construction of a new facility for its Ketner School of Business.
The donation comes from Dr. Rick L. James, a 1977 alumnus and chair of the university's Board of Trustees, and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James.
The planned 55,000-square-foot building carries a total project cost of $30 million and is expected to open in August 2028.
University officials say site development is scheduled to begin this fall, with construction expected to start in the spring of 2027. Design Collaborative has been selected as the project architect.
Rick James co-founded Metal Technologies in Auburn and has served on Trine's Board of Trustees since 2010, including as chair since 2012. University leaders say his tenure has coincided with more than $150 million in campus improvements and expansion into new academic programs.
The James family has supported multiple projects at Trine, including academic buildings, athletic facilities and scholarship programs.
Beyond the university, the couple has contributed to a range of community and regional initiatives across northeast Indiana.