“Jack’s belief in education and his generous spirit
have left a legacy that will endure for generations of Grand Valley
students,” said President Philomena V. Mantella. “He brought his
leadership, humility and heart to everything he did. We will deeply
miss him, but his impact will live on in every student he helped to uplift.”
Miller served on multiple Grand Valley committees,
contributing to strategic campaigns including the Shaping Our Future
Campaign and the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences Campaign, for
which he served as an honorary member of the executive cabinet. He
also supported numerous scholarships and endowments, which continue
to provide access and opportunity to students from across the region.
“Jack’s legacy is not only in buildings or scholarships
but in the lives he touched through his generosity and leadership,”
said Sue Jandernoa, member of the GVSU Board of Trustees. “He held
kindness and compassion as guiding principles, and those values will
continue to shine through in the way he supported Grand Valley and
so many other causes throughout our community.”
Miller was the former president of Howard Miller
Company, founded by his father in Zeeland. He led the company until
his retirement in 2002. He was also an engaged civic leader, serving
as a trustee for Aquinas College, the Davenport University
Foundation and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. He served
on the boards of the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Grand Rapids
Symphony, where he was one of only six people honored with the title
of honorary board member.
In 2007, Miller received the Grand Valley Enrichment
Award and was inducted into the GVSU Hall of Fame for his
longstanding service and commitment to the university.
