GVSU community celebrates the life of Jack Miller

"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.