4 minute read
Honoring Howard Miller: Architect of an Unbelievable Homecoming
Written by Andy Huston (Minnesota, '01), Executive Director
In 1957, Howard B. Miller (Sigma Chi, '54) faced an ambitious challenge as Chapter Prior: raising more than $130,000 to construct a new chapter house at the University of Maryland. With support from the Endowment Fund and the full commitment of Sigma Chi alumni, the mission succeeded. On April 27, 1958, #2 Fraternity Row was officially dedicated as the home of Sigma Alpha Mu, where the fraternity would remain for nearly 45 years.
A Difficult Departure
The university declined to renew the chapter's lease in 2000 amid declining operations and leadership challenges. Sigma Chi persisted for eight years until its charter was suspended in 2008. When alumni formed a committee to bring ΣAM back to campus, Howard Miller became an active member and played a pivotal role in the negotiations that led to Sigma Chi's return in 2016. Since then, he has continued serving as a source of knowledge, creativity, and strategic guidance for strengthening and growing the chapter.
The vision was clear: grow the chapter to a size and operational standard that would warrant a return to Fraternity Row. However, with housing inventory now controlled by the university, securing a spot on the row— especially #2 Fraternity Row—remained beyond the chapter's control.
Leading the Charge Home
When several properties on Fraternity Row became available, including #2 Fraternity Row, Howard Miller once again led the effort. Alongside a dedicated team of alumni, he spearheaded the Restoring Our Legacy
Campaign, which raised $265,000 from 260 donors to supplement rent, provide furnishings, and secure the university buy-in necessary for the chapter's return. The successful effort represents a full-circle journey for both Sigma Alpha Mu's Sigma Chi Chapter and Howard Miller.
"Moving back into #2 Fraternity Row means so much to me as an alumnus," Miller shared. "It's where we built our strongest bonds, shared unforgettable experiences, and truly grew as brothers. Reclaiming this historic home isn't just about honoring our past—it's about ensuring that future Sammies will be able to share in the same life-changing experiences we did."
Grand Re-Opening and A Celebration of Service
On August 16, 2025, more than 200 alumni, parents, and guests gathered for a ribboncutting celebration marking the chapter's official return home. During the event, grateful Sigma Chi alumni surprised Howard with a commemorative plaque installed in the entrance of the house, honoring his outstanding dedication to ΣAM and its members. Vice Supreme Prior Remer, Past Supreme Kleppel, Past Supreme Prior Sergi, Supreme Exchequer Harris, Supreme Recorder Lambert, ΣAM Foundation CEO Girson, Executive Director Huston, and Communications Manager Ray were present from the international fraternity.
Photos and videos of the ribboncutting celebration are available at https://2fraternityrow.com/
The plaque reads:
A TRIBUTE TO HOWARD B. MILLER, ΣX '54
From his days as an undergraduate to the present, Howard Miller's unwavering loyalty and devotion to Sigma Alpha Mu have inspired generations of fratres. As we rededicate our historic home at #2 Fraternity Row, we take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation and honor his lifetime of service.
As a student leader, Howard served as President of the Student Government Association and famously welcomed Queen Elizabeth II to her first—and only—American football game. In 1957, as Chapter Prior, he and his father, Martin K. Miller, played a pivotal role in persuading the University to construct #2 Fraternity Row as the chapter's permanent home.
Over the past seven decades, Howard has remained a steadfast source of guidance—as a Chapter Advisor, Supreme Prior (197071), and mentor to countless brothers.
Under his leadership and vision, our alumni have stayed connected through reunions spanning every generation.
We especially recognize Howard's enduring impact in helping bring Sigma Chi Chapter back to Maryland after more than a decade away, and in the successful re-acquisition of #2 Fraternity Row in 2025—milestones made possible by his creativity, persistence, and belief in our brotherhood.
Howard Miller is an icon of the Sigma Chi Chapter. His tireless dedication has shaped our legacy, and his name rightfully stands beside our Founders—not only for what he has accomplished, but for the lasting inspiration he continues to provide. We are forever grateful.
Dedicated to Howard B. Miller with admiration and affection, Your ΣAM Brothers
