Roger and Joyce Howe received Miami University's 2019 Philanthropists of the Year Award at the annual Advancement Awards ceremony on May 3 at Shriver Center. According to Tom Herbert, Senior Vice President for Advancement and President of the Miami University Foundation, "the Philanthropist of the Year award is the highest philanthropy recognition a Miamian can receive. Those who receive this award go above and beyond in advancing Miami as a force for good in the world – past, present and future." 

Since 1996, the Howes have committed over $15 million to create the Howe Center for Business Writing (formerly the Howe Writing Initiative) and the Roger and Joyce Howe Center for Writing Excellence, including a recent $3 million gift to coordinate writing support across the entire campus. The Howes believe nothing in education is more important for students' future careers than developing as clear and persuasive writers.

The Howes' vision and tremendous support over the years has resulted in national recognition for the Howe Center for Writing Excellence's Writing Center and Writing Across the Curriculum program. We congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Howe on this well-deserved award and, once again, express our sincere appreciation for their commitment to advancing writing as a signature experience of a Miami education.

Read about the Philanthropists Award and the full text of Tom Herbert's remarks and Roger Howe's acceptance response at the ceremony. You can also read more about the Howes on the Alumni Association website.