The Miami University Alumni Association has honored four Farmer School of Business alumni with 2023 Love and Honor Awards. The Love and Honor Awards recognize those who have made a true difference at Miami, whether it has been through service to the university, enhancing the Miami name nationally through their accomplishments, or supporting Miami through a generous gift.

Jim Naus, 1967 Farmer School alum, received the Spirit of Philanthropy Award, an award that honors an individual who has been highly engaged in philanthropic activities at Miami over his or her lifetime and/or has made a significant positive impact university-wide or on a specific Miami college or unit.

In 2006, Jim and his late wife, Susan Naus ’67, established the Naus Family Faculty Scholar Fund. Their support for the fund has helped create endowed positions for faculty members who have proven their dedication to student engagement and scholarship.

In 2023, they established the Miami Foundation Family Fund, which provides board directors with support for the Foundation’s operations. When Susan passed in May 2023, Jim directed memorial contributions to this fund.

Naus has also made several gifts to the Isaac and Oxley Center for Business Leadership.

In addition to his philanthropy, Naus has also supported Miami through his service. He has been involved with a number of boards and committees, including the Center for Business Leadership Advisory Board, Accountancy Advisory Group, and the Business Advisory Council.

Pat and Connie Sidley, both 1972 Farmer School graduates, received the John E. Dolibois Award, presented to an alumna or alumnus who has served Miami University in a distinctive fashion over many years. Pat has served on the board of the Institute for Learning in Retirement, and Connie, the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Together, they serve on the Library Advisory Board and were both co-chairs for their 50-year Class Reunion Committee.

The couple has given gifts to the Farmer School of Business Dean’s Fund, the Jack and Pat Gifford Junior Faculty Teaching Development Fund, and the David G. Shrider Memorial Study Abroad Scholarship.

Richard K. Smucker, 1970 Farmer School of Business graduate, received the Bishop Distinguished Achievement Medal, which is given to an alumna or alumnus who has made contributions in service to humanity or who has reached the pinnacle in a field of endeavor.

Smucker is best known for his role as the former CEO and chairman of The J.M. Smucker Company, a leading American manufacturer of food and beverage products. Richard retired from the company’s board in August 2023 with “Chairman Emeritus” status. He is part of the fourth generation of the Smucker family involved in the company.

At Miami, Smucker has helped create opportunities for business students and faculty members through his service on the Business Advisory Council and Farmer School Board of Visitors. During his time on the Miami University Foundation Board and Board of Trustees, he helped the university be agile during times of rapid growth and change.

Smucker has made gifts to the Smucker College at Elm Support Fund, the Farmer School of Business Technology Innovation Fund, the Smucker Outstanding Faculty Award, and the Bill Moeckel Professorship in Business.