OXFORD — Harry T. Wilks has added to his extensive legacy of giving to Miami University.

Wilks, a retired attorney, recently contributed a $3 million gift to Miami, bringing his financial support to the university to more than $9 million.

Wilks’ total ranks him as the ninth largest individual contributor to Miami and eighth largest living alumnus.

“Miami University is one of the best in the United States in producing leaders, which is absolutely essential,” said Wilks, who will be 87 years old next month. “We have to make sure we get the proper leaders, and in order to do that, there has to be donations so that the university can go forward with even more leadership programs.”

As a result of Wilks’ latest commitment and previous donations, a recommendation has been made to the board of trustees that Miami name the theater in the new Armstrong Student Center in Wilks’ honor.

Wilks, a 1948 Miami alumnus and a member of Miami’s board of trustees, has supported the university in numerous ways over the years.

His gifts have created the Leadership Institute on Miami’s Oxford campus, and the conference center and a lecture series on Miami’s Hamilton campus. Wilks has also funded scholarships each year at Miami Hamilton.

“Harry Wilks is one of the most generous alumni in Miami history,” Miami President David Hodge said in a release. “We are honored that he has chosen to make another profound investment in the success of our students and in the exciting opportunities that will be brought to life within the Armstrong Student Center. The theater will be a wonderful venue for student-run speaker events, student and professional performances, and other imaginative events that bring our students together.”

The theater will be a signature space within the Armstrong center, which is slated for completion in early 2014.  

Featuring 500 seats, stage- and balcony-level seating, and state-of-the-art sound and video systems, the theater will be a venue for hosting performances, speakers, movies and more. Miami students will be responsible for programming the theater, which meets the long-held need for a medium-sized performance venue on campus.

“I would be proud of that because the theater will give the students a great chance to hear many diverse views of the world,” Wilks said. “It will also provide them with a site to show their skills in certain aspects or studies, and also for entertainment, such as music.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or steven.matthews@coxinc.com.