Bequest from UF Alum in Gratitude of Community Support

(Cheryl Miller, Ph.D. pictured far left)

In many ways, Cheryl Miller, Ph.D., was an investor – with her career dedicated to children, through volunteering in her beloved Findlay community, and finally with a bequest to future University of Findlay students.

Miller, who passed away in January 2022, was born and raised in Findlay, graduating from Findlay College in 1971 with the goal of becoming a teacher. After receiving a master’s degree at Bowling Green State University, she was hired at Nordonia City Schools in the Akron area, and went on to earn a Ph.D. in secondary education from the University of Akron.

“She had a full career – she loved her students and loved teaching,” said her nephew, Bill Wilson.

When she retired, he recalled, the one place she wanted to go was back to Findlay.

“She lost her father in 1959 when she was 9 years old,” Wilson explained. “And she was very thankful for the community of Findlay helping her family. Terrible things can happen, she knew, and she believed in being very thankful for what you have.”

In retirement, Miller’s primary hobby was gardening, and she became a Master Gardener. She also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and volunteering.

Her nephew described her as “very, very humble.”

“Before she got sick, she thought about what she wanted to do with her estate,” he noted. “She had never married and had limited family.”

A long career as an educator had provided her with a sizable retirement pension, which will now help UF students as they begin their futures.

“She was very much a saver, an investor. I think she felt it was time to give back to the community because she had received so much,” said Wilson, who also grew up in Findlay but now lives in Kansas, working in finance.

From the bequest of Miller, who was a business teacher, the University has created two scholarship endowments: one in business to aid undergraduate and master’s degree students, and one in education for students pursuing a teaching certificate.

Wilson believes his aunt would be proud to see the next generation of Oilers benefitting from her gift.

“She really loved Findlay, and was very dedicated to the community and Findlay College,” he said.