The Optimist

Friday afternoon, outside his old office, an oak tree was planted in memory of Wayne Miller, former assistant director in the Office of Career and Academic Development who died of pancreatitis last May.

The tree was planted in front of McKinzie Hall where he counseled hundreds of students dealing with life and career decisions.

The dedication preceded Chapel on Friday. Thirty to 40 people attended including Miller's wife and four sons, his father, his colleagues, his friends and his students.

"The whole Career and Academic Development Office thinks about him a lot and the positive impact he had," said Deon Botha, manager of counseling in the Office of Career and Academic Development.  "We all talked about doing something that we could remember him by, and what better than a tree."

Matt Boisvert, executive director of Career and Academic Development, said the tree is a representation of the impact Miller had on the ACU campus.

"The tree will grow and spread out over time just like the great impact he had on others, and his ability to reach out to students," Boisvert said.

The tree dedication started with Boisvert speaking in honor of Miller. 

"The thing that I wanted to emphasize the most was that we would never be able to see the impact he had on campus," said Boisvert. "He helped kids, and helped them find out who they are."

The dedication was a somber remembrance of Miller's contributions.

"This time was meant to be reflective and think about all of the great things he did on campus.  I wanted his family to know we loved him and what he did at ACU," Boisvert said.

After Boisvert spoke, Charles Mattis, dean of the First-Year Program, led the group in a prayer. Afterward, they all joined together in singing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You."

Miller's family was presented with a framed duplicate of the plaque that is next to the tree.

Although the dedication's atmosphere was sad and somber, it showed how one person can make an impact on the people they surround, Boisvert said.  

"He really did make an impact, and we can be joyful and ever prolong his memory," Boisvert said.

Miller's memory, Botha said, will be long-lasting for both students and faulty at ACU.

"One of the things we all miss about him most is his great knowledge and how he helped and cared for every student that came his way," said Botha. "He is greatly missed and will continue to be missed."

E-mail Snelson at: optimist@acu.edu

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