By Jenny Callison
Enquirer contributor

When people talk about Harry T. Wilks, they often use the word "visionary." To date, his visions have resulted in Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park on the outskirts of Hamilton; a conference center, lecture series and scholarships at Miami University's Hamilton campus; and now, a new leadership initiative.

Wilks

"Harry Wilks is a remarkable visionary," said Richard Jones, director of the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton. "While others might have looked at his acreage at the edge of Hamilton and seen brambles and vines, he looked at the 265 acres and saw the potential for an internationally acclaimed sculpture park."

Mr. Wilks views his park development and his gifts to Miami University as investments that will reap benefits for everyone.

He is credited by many for fostering the concept of Hamilton as the "City of Sculpture."

"He got City Council and the county commissioners on board with the idea, and lined up the leadership," said Hamilton attorney Craig Wilks, Mr. Wilks' nephew.

The philanthropist, a Chicago native, graduated from Miami University in 1948 and earned a law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1950. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Wilks invested in real estate and in stocks. He has always been active in the community, serving on Hamilton City Council and once running for Congress.

Lee Sanders, acting executive director of Miami's Hamilton Campus, said: "Harry has always been a friend of this campus and of education. I'm delighted he found a place for his dream at Miami University."