Miami University

Student returns $5,000; Mom taught freshman well

It was instinct that caused first-year student Adam Stricker immediately to turn in $5,000 in cash he found in the Cook Field parking lot on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 5.

"I was…walking back to the dorm and saw envelopes in the rain and saw green peeking out. I was like ‘whoa’—I figured I’d turn it back in," explained Stricker, an exercise science major from Trotwood.
Concerned that the three envelopes of money be returned to the rightful owner, he brought them to the nearby physical facilities office. Inside each envelope was a business card belonging to Ben Voth (communications), faculty adviser to Miami’s forensics team.

Voth, who had picked up the money for three different forensics team trips, was called—but he was already retracing his steps. "It was raining, I was rushing. I got to the office and noticed it (missing) immediately and started going back (to the parking lot)," Voth explained.

He returned to his office to find voicemail that Stricker had already turned in the money: The situation was resolved within 15 minutes.

"I’m thrilled that Adam did what he did; it was incredibly ethical," compliments Voth.

"I didn’t feel like I was doing anything extra special. It wasn’t my money and it was a lot of money to take from somebody," says Stricker. "I guess my mom had a good influence. She’s proud but says she’s not surprised."

Date Published: 10/19/2000
Volume: 20   Number: 12