The Goshen College community marked the one-year anniversary of the death of Professor of Biology James S. Miller with prayer and remembrances. A home intruder killed Professor Miller, 58, about 1 a.m. on Oct. 9, 2011, according to the Goshen Police Department. Linda Miller, Professor Miller’s wife, was wounded in the attack and was hospitalized five days. She said her physical wounds have healed, but JODI H. BEYELER
CAMPUS NEWS
COMMUNITY PRAYS FOR PROFESSOR JAMES S. MILLER
Professor Jim Miller’s family prays during the college’s remembrance service on Oct. 9, 2012: (left to right) his sister Kathy Fenton-Miller, his mother Elizabeth Jeschke, his wife Linda, his son Robert, his daughter Leanne, his daughter Lisa Rose Martin and his grandson Jared Martin.
she continues to suffer emotionally from the attack and the loss of her husband and the father of their three children. While police continue to investigate the case, family, friends and members of the college community gathered twice on Oct. 9 to remember Professor Miller’s 31 years of service to Goshen and to offer prayers for healing and peace. The Department of Biological Services held a brief morning ceremony in the Science Hall to dedicate a photographic image taken, edited and donated by Dr. Richard Manalis, emeritus professor of biology at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. The black and white print, titled “Imagined Destination,” depicts a road cutting through a forest and ending in mist and a patch of sunlight. That afternoon, about 150 people met at the prayer labyrinth for a gathering led by Campus Minister Bob Yoder. The labyrinth now has landscaping and a bench, donated by the Class of 2012 and the Class of 1962, in remembrance of Professor Miller. President Emeritus Victor Stoltzfus read a prayer written by President Brenneman, who could not be present. Comments were offered by two GC students – Indigo Rey Miller, a senior nursing major from Colorado Springs, Colo., and Peter Martin, a senior molecular biology/biochemistry major from Goshen. Professor of Music Beverly Lapp ended the gathering by leading the singing of the hymn “Lord, Listen to your Children Praying.” In a written statement, Linda Miller said, “Our children are doing as well as can be expected for grieving children. Life is not easy. I continue to trust God every day for strength and for healing.” – Richard R. Aguirre
VIRGIL L. MILLER REMEMBERED FOR HIS SERVANT LEADERSHIP Virgil L. Miller, chair of the Goshen College Board of Directors from 1999 to 2009, died July 19 at his home in Archbold, Ohio, surrounded by his family, following a two-year struggle with cancer. A memorial service was held July 23 at Zion Mennonite Church. Miller, 72, spent his career at Sauder Manufacturing, Inc., rising from salesman to president and chief executive officer and later, chairman of the board. He gave his time generously to many nonprofit and charitable organizations and served as chair of several boards. He was appointed to the Goshen College board in 1997, became chair in October 1999 and served as the board’s leader until he stepped down in 2009. 8 | BULLETIN .
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As Goshen board chair, Miller helped the college achieve many of its major goals over the past 15 years, such as establishing new academic programs, maintaining financial stability amid economic downturns, building the Music Center and student apartments, moving to a new policy governance model and mentoring two presidents. Miller and his wife, Mary Ann, who survives, also donated generously to Goshen College for 37 continuous years. Goshen College President James E. Brenneman said Miller was a friend and adviser whose life exemplified servant leadership. “Virgil had a good journey and an amazing life of service,” Brenneman said. “For many years, as board chair, Virgil gave wise counsel and visionary leadership that profoundly strengthened the mission of Goshen College. He was an irreplaceable mentor to me, an intellectual and spiritual conversation partner, and a lasting friend.” – Richard R. Aguirre
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