With this new gift, Miami can expand its pioneering efforts with L.I.F.E. and open doors for other academics at other schools to launch and expand similar programs.
“We are grateful to this donor both for understanding the mission of L.I.F.E. and why it is necessary and then for supporting our pioneering vision and enabling us to continue and expand, making it possible for other institutions to benefit as well,” said Jenny Darroch, dean of the Farmer School of Business and Mitchell P. Rales Chair in Business Leadership.
Smith added, “We’re not suggesting people should bring faith into their entrepreneurial ventures. We’re simply recognizing that it’s already happening. What we want to do is help people understand how it is happening, why it is happening, and with what consequences, both negative and positive.
“People think, ‘Oh, I’m not religious so this doesn’t matter to me,’ ” Smith said. “Well, it matters the minute you take a job at an entrepreneurial company where the founders, investors, or customers are deeply embedded in their faith. Then, the meaning of L.I.F.E. becomes very personal and important.”