Miami University

$50,000 Ford gift supports minority students

04/02/2001

A gift from Ford Motor Co. has established the Ford Scholars Program to increase the number of minority business students at Miami University and to strengthen the school’s efforts to achieve diversity.

Carl Bergman, a 1968 Miami graduate and customer service operations manager of Ford, presented the Richard T. Farmer School of Business with $50,000 on March 21. The money was the first annual contribution to the program.

"Ford has been a continuous partner in Miami’s diversity initiatives. The company has sponsored diversity workshops for faculty and has supported Phi Sigma Epsilon, a business fraternity for students," said Daniel Short, dean.

"Ford recognizes it takes more than just recruiting to nurture and attract the best and brightest students. We are establishing a partnership with the school of business to provide internships, mentoring and support as other opportunities arise," Bergman said. Ford employs 237 Miami alumni.