Falcon Club Member Spotlight

Why I Give

Scott D. Miller ‘87

I am the first person in my family to graduate from college; my sister Molly, also a BG graduate, is the second. However, my being accepted into BG was not a slam-dunk and proved to be a challenge for me. I proudly completed my freshman application to BG by highlighting my high school accomplishments, athletic activities, and hard work farming. However, my high school transcript and ACT test score were a problem and BG rejected my application. I remained optimistic after the form letter they mailed out encouraged me to re-apply once I successfully accomplished some remedial course work at another institution.

So, I drove myself down to Athens, Ohio. Yes … an easy slam-dunk!

I sold my merits to Ohio University and they admitted me into their College of Education. I avoided a setback and remained on track to become the Industrial Arts teacher and high school football coach I wanted to be. Ohio University is a great college — but for me it was a pathway into BG. I was able to re-apply to BG and was accepted the following year! 

BG is where I became a responsible student and a mature adult. My BG experiences were vast and, even starting a year late, proved perfect timing for me. The Industrial Technology Education program in which I enrolled was leading the nation in innovation. My professors were simply the best! Drs. Streichler, Savage, Horton and Hatch were all at the top of their game. Their classes were challenging, but wow, you were confident (or at least cocky) at their conclusion. Outside of the classroom, these men even took time to “know” their students. I still have fond memories of the backyard BBQ’s that Dr. Horton and his wife hosted at their home.  

This fall, my daughter Brittany began her senior year at BG in Aviation Management. I give her mother most of the credit in how our little girl has grown up to become the beautiful, mature and confident young lady that she is today. However, I also believe her BG experience has played a pivotal role in her development.

The student recreation center was new when I attended and now Brittany uses the same facility, only totally remodeled. The student section in “The Doyt” is now across and opposite to where I once sat — but at least with my Falcon Club membership I now enjoy the Sebo Center Party Deck to get out of the weather. There are many examples of how things have changed at BG while the best aspects of my experience live on to benefit my daughter.

My college experience and depth of education were so well rounded that it gave me the confidence and ability to command a very responsible first job in construction management.  This job later served as the foundation of the construction company that I began and have managed for the past 20 years. I have experienced first hand the vast network of Falcon business connections and have greeted many in the boardroom with a passionate Ay Ziggy!

So why do I give? For many reasons. I want to advance our Falcon legacy, and possibly help a Falcon in need. Perhaps I can inspire a future Falcon, while setting a charitable example for my daughters, Katie and Brittany. I give because I am in a position to do so — and frankly, this is a direct result of my BG experience and the life examples instilled in me by my loving parents!