By Randy McNutt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

OXFORD - Retired Hamilton attorney Harry T. Wilks told Miami University's board of trustees Friday he will donate $5 million to establish a leadership institute at the school.

"Harvard is known for its law school, Johns Hopkins for medical research. I want Miami and Oxford to be the place that people think of when leadership development is mentioned," Mr. Wilks said.

Wilks

His reasons for giving such a generous gift are varied. Most important, he believes the public's trust and confidence in leaders is eroding. But the 77-year-old philanthropist also wants to give his money away while he is alive.

"Life is a journey and the journey is short," he said.

Miami spokeswoman Holly Wissing said the gift is Mr. Wilks' second big donation to Miami. In 1992, he gave $1 million to Miami University-Hamilton for scholarships and a lecture series that has brought in nationally-known speakers.

Mr. Wilks is known locally for establishing the nonprofit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum in Butler County's St. Clair Township, near Hamilton. He also owned a number of buildings in downtown Hamilton.

"Harry T. Wilks has been an exemplary leader throughout his professional and civic life as an attorney, a businessman, an entrepreneur, an art collector and a philanthropist," said Miami President James C. Garland.

"It is very fitting that Mr. Wilks' most recent gift to Miami University is in the area of leadership."

Mr. Wilks explained it in practical terms. "I told them I don't like mediocrity. I aim for the top."

Unfortunately, these days what he sees is a decline in public trust in the leadership of government, business, religious institutions, unions, accounting and other professions. He is also concerned about the lack of role models for youth.

He said decision-making should be based on "enduring principles." His goal for the Harry T. Wilks Leadership Institute is to foster "ethical leadership" among all Miami students.

Roger Howe, chairman of Miami's trustees, said the donation will "change the face of Miami."

The institute will start next year, and be developed over time. Ms. Wissing said it will include:

A speaker series on the Oxford campus that will bring in people who have "exercised significant leadership" and stir university conversation on leadership.

A high school leadership program to raise awareness of Miami as the university for leadership study.

An international scholarship program to recruit students who have demonstrated leadership in their own nations.

Academic coursework that prepares students for effective, ethical leadership.

A national scholarly symposium for leadership experts and scholars. School officials want it to help make Miami a national center of research on leadership development.

A leadership entrepreneurial fund that will allow professors and students to test new approaches to leadership development.

Seminars on leadership development to help those who work with students outside the classroom.

"We're entering a global era where decisions by leaders from all countries will increasingly impact us here in the United States," Mr. Wilks said. "So it's more important than ever that leaders - worldwide to local - be prepared for their responsibilities."

E-mail rmcnutt@enquirer.com.