The legacy of Bill Miller, the founding director of the University of Central Arkansas? Community Development Institute, was celebrated last Friday as the program ended it?s 18th year with a graduation and awards luncheon.
Flave Carpenter, chairman of the CDI Advisory Board, said in a tribute to Miller, ?For many people, Bill Miller is the face of the Community Development Institute and rightfully so. He devoted the final phase of his professional career to defining and sustaining something that would, short of his marriage and children, become his most important legacy.?
An award and a scholarship, both named in honor of Miller, were presented for the first time at the luncheon attended by this years 100 participants along with family and friends of Miller.
Mary Nelson, of the newly established Perry County Chamber of Commerce, was the first recipient of the Bill Miller Scholarship. Kim Bradford, dean of the Division of Academic Outreach and Extended Programs, said it was important to the board to assist someone from a new community operation who was excited about CDI.
According to Bradford, the scholarship had been established more than a decade ago, but was endowed only 10 days before the start of the institute.
Monieca West, community development consultant, was presented with the Bill Miller Community Development Award. The award is for an individual who has made a significant positive impact on UCA?s CDI.
West was commissioned to write a historical perspective of the Community Development Institute. A copy of the 80-page history was presented to each participant after the luncheon.
Miller?s wife, Joyce, attended the luncheon and gave some remarks on her husband?s behalf.
Joyce said Bill was ?very thankful for all of the honors.?
After more than 20 third-year CDI students were awarded graduation certificates for completing the program, a peer-selected award was presented to a third year student.
Layne Wheeler, of the Harrison Chamber of Commerce, received the Ernest Whitelaw Award. Whitelaw was one of the founding members of the institute. He was a class director for 12 years.
Third-year students select one of their own to receive this award, which is based on dedication, proven involvement in CDI, spirit of caring and infusion and strong personal integrity.
-Jennifer Boyett
