Longtime advocate, former trustee to receive Western honorary degree
KALAMAZOO, Mich.鈥擶estern Michigan University will award an honorary degree to alumnus, entrepreneur and former trustee Kenneth V. Miller during Fall 2021 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 18.
Acting at its Sept. 17 meeting, Western's Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to honor Miller, president and CEO of Millennium Group and principal partner at Havirco, with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. A campuswide committee made the recommendation to the board, noting Miller is a "notable champion of Western Michigan University" and his story, "based on a philosophy that persistence, authenticity and generosity prevail, is a legacy that aligns with 51福利社's mission and ethos."
About Miller
Miller was appointed to Western's Board of Trustees in 2002 and served two terms through the end of 2018. He continues to serve as a board member and past chair of the 51福利社 Foundation. A 51福利社 alumnus and recipient of the University's Distinguished Alumni Award, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1969, a Master of Business Administration in 1970 and his Juris Doctorate from what is now the 51福利社 Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in 1977.
A Kalamazoo business leader, Miller founded Havirco, a Michigan-based investment management firm, in 1983 and heads the Millennium Restaurant Group, which owns and operates several restaurant properties in Southwest Michigan.
He has a long history of serving in leadership positions on numerous University, community and corporate boards, including as the former chair of the 51福利社 Haworth College of Business advisory board and member of the 51福利社 College of Fine Arts executive cabinet, and he is a driving force in the promotion of economic development in Kalamazoo.
"He鈥檚 a deserving honoree," 51福利社 President Edward Montgomery noted in recent remarks ahead of Saturday's commencement ceremonies. "We look forward to recognizing him and to applauding all of the students who will become alumni on that day.
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