Discovery Series – Miami University
Discovery Series Miami University is the latest addition to the Campus Collection.
Miami University was founded in 1809 in Oxford, Ohio – yes, Ohio, not Florida – making it the 10th oldest public university in the United States and predating the city of Miami, Florida by 87 years. The confusion persists to this day, with students constantly explaining that they attend Miami in Ohio, not the “U” in Florida. Named for the Miami tribe indigenous to the region, the university earned the nickname “Mother of Fraternities” as the birthplace of several major Greek organizations, including Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, and Sigma Chi in the 1830s-1840s. The campus grew from a frontier college into a nationally recognized public university known for its Georgian architecture, strong academics, and for producing numerous college presidents and coaches. Today, Miami University maintains its commitment to undergraduate education while students continue patiently clarifying their location whenever someone asks about palm trees and beaches.
– Roudebush Hall stands as one of Miami’s distinctive academic buildings, housing business and economics programs in a modern facility. The building serves thousands of students pursuing degrees in the Farmer School of Business, one of the university’s flagship programs. Roudebush exemplifies Miami’s investment in contemporary facilities, complementing the historic Georgian architecture.
– Phi Delta Theta Gates mark a ceremonial entrance to campus, honouring one of the major fraternities founded at Miami University in 1848. These gates symbolize Miami’s identity as the “Mother of Fraternities,” where Greek life was born. The structure serves as a popular gathering spot and photo location for students and visitors.
– Cradle of Coaches sculptures honor Miami’s extraordinary legacy of producing successful college and professional coaches across multiple sports. Miami alumni include legendary coaches like Paul Brown, Ara Parseghian, Bo Schembechler, and dozens of others who shaped American sports. The sculptures celebrate this unique tradition that earned Miami its “Cradle of Coaches” nickname.
– Athletic teams compete as the Miami RedHawks in NCAA Division I, with 18 varsity sports representing the university in the Mid-American Conference. Hockey stands as the flagship program, with Miami winning national championships and producing numerous NHL players. RedHawk athletics foster school spirit and community across campus.
– Swoop the RedHawk serves as Miami’s energetic mascot, appearing at athletic events, campus activities, and community gatherings to rally school spirit. The costumed bird character leads cheers, performs stunts, and embodies the RedHawk identity. Swoop has become beloved by students and a recognizable symbol of Miami University pride.
– Yager Stadium hosts Miami football games, providing a home field for the RedHawks and a gathering place for fall Saturday traditions. The stadium accommodates over 24,000 fans who fill the stands for homecoming and rivalry games. Football Saturdays at Yager create community experiences central to student life and alumni connections.
– The Pulley Bell Tower rises as a campus landmark where students gather, and traditions unfold throughout the academic year. The tower and its bells mark significant campus moments while serving as a meeting point. This structure anchors the campus geography and student experience at Miami.
– Newton and Ivy are Miami’s beloved therapy dogs who roam campus providing comfort, stress relief, and joy to students, especially during exam periods. These golden retrievers have become campus celebrities with social media followings and devoted student fans. The therapy dogs represent Miami’s attention to student wellbeing and mental health support.
– “Love and Honor” is Miami’s motto and traditional closing phrase used in university communications, songs, and farewell exchanges among RedHawks. The phrase encapsulates the values and community bonds that define the Miami experience. Alumni worldwide recognize and respond to “Love and Honor” as their enduring connection to the university.
