GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Thiel College celebration of life service is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at the William A. Passavant Memorial Center for Emeritus Professor of Business and Accounting David Miller ’61 H’20, who passed away October 23.
Miller retired in 2020 after 57 years at the College. He’s the longest-tenured faculty member in school history and taught and advised more students than anyone else in the school’s 157-year history.
“We will miss Professor Miller more than words can express. He was not just our colleague but our good friend. Our hearts go out to the entire Miller family,” President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. said. “Professor Miller will be a part of Thiel forever. While we grieve his loss, we can take comfort and inspiration from the gracious and caring way he lived his life and touched the lives of so many.”
Miller is survived by his wife, Ruth H’20, their daughter, Joy ’90, and son, Michael ’92, as well as a grandson; Adam Miller, siblings; Floyanne Hengerer and Rebecca Duff, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Miller created the business seminar class where each spring students get experience in a formal dinner setting, are introduced to etiquette lessons and connect with the College’s business alumni. The seminar was later named the Ruth Miller Business Seminar in honor of his wife, who also served as campus nurse at Thiel College. Miller was a graduate of Mercer High School, Thiel College, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He was a licensed funeral director from 1965 until 1993. Miller helped Thiel create a partnership with PIMS, with three years at the former and one at the latter allowing students to earn a business degree and become licensed funeral directors. David and Ruth Miller were both awarded honorary doctorates in early 2020. He was appointed the first recipient of the Norman P. Mortensen Endowed Chair of Economics in 1990. He was the Executive Director of the Haller Enterprise Institute and chaired the Arthur McGonigal Department of Business Administration and Accounting. With support from hundreds of alumni and friends of the College, Thiel established the David Miller ’61 Endowed Chair of Accounting in 2016, recognizing Professor Miller’s long service at the College and influence on generations of students.
Miller was associated with Mercer County Historical Society for over 50 years, serving as president for many. He was a long-time trustee for the George W. Wright Student Loan Fund.
“His legacy lives on in his family and in the generations of students to whom he was a professor, mentor, advocate, adviser and friend,” Vice President for College Advancement Roberta Leonard said.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.