Photos: UW-Green Bay campus community says ‘farewell’ to the Millers

Following short speeches about a campus that transformed into a growing, urban-serving institution and a reminder of what a special place the University and the Green Bay community is, Chancellor Gary L. Miller thanked the campus community at a farewell gathering, Monday, Sept. 16. Miller and his wife, Georgia (Nix) Miller, will depart in a few days as he begins the presidency at the University of Akon.

“Wherever we have been and whatever we have done, we have done it together,” Miller said of he and Georgia. “I couldn’t have done it without her… We are deeply grateful for our time here… We will be watching. We will be back. Especially in summer,” he joked. “We wish you the very best. Go Phoenix.”

Prior to Miller taking the microphone, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Climate Eric Arneson listed some of the highlights from Miller’s tenure…

  • Creating the four-college model
  • Creating the Resch School of Engineering
  • Completion of the partnerships resulting in the STEM Innovation Center, and
  • Creating confidence and an environment of inclusion, while fostering a community where everyone matters that has permeated the University and given all a sense of pride and purpose.

Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Foundation President Tony Werner thanked the Millers for generating and spearheading growing interest in the University, while Executive Director of Marketing and University Communication Janet Bonkowski said that although the University has accomplished much in the past few years, she believes that the Millers’ time here will be lasting.

“…we will be forever grateful to the Millers for inspiring us to leverage the powers of the Phoenix— to be innovative, to transform the University and to be proud caretakers of this place.”

“Thank you for believing in all of us,” she told the Millers. “Thank you for helping us believe in ourselves. Thank you for lighting the fire!”

Incoming Interim Chancellor Sheryl Van Gruensven said that Chancellor Miller’s legacy will be “the transformation of this University into a strong regional comprehensive, access-driven institution that has grown for four straight years under his leadership, despite budget reductions.”

“…He never settled, expected more, insisted our voice be heard at all levels and knew the potential for this institution, and for that we thank Chancellor Miller and Georgia for their steadfast leadership at a critical point in time for higher education in this region and in the country,” Van Gruensven said.  “Chancellor Miller was the right leader, at the right time.”

She announced that Chancellor Miller will be receiving a replica Chancellor’s Medallion, which signifies “excellence in leadership and achievement at UW-Green Bay.”

Click to advance slideshow or view the album on Flickr.
Miller's Farewell Reception, 9/16/19

– Photos by Kimberly Vlies, Marketing and University Communication

You may also like...