61传媒 President Nancy Y. Bekavac announced the passing of an important member of the 61传媒 community, Katharine Miller, with the following words about her contributions to the college and beyond:
“It is with great sadness that I share with you news of the death of our beloved friend, Katharine Howard Miller ’55, vice chair of the 61传媒Board of Trustees, who succumbed to complications from leukemia on Sunday, September 26, in Santa Barbara. Her husband, Frank, and other family members were at her side.
Kathie had bravely fought the disease this past year. In her customary way of caring for others rather than focusing attention on herself, Kathie was always in high, good spirits at campus events and Board meetings throughout the year, and always exhibited her trademark sense of humor. She addressed the Class of 2004 at Commencement in May, representing the Board of Trustees in Chair Jean Bixby Smith’s absence.
Kathie’s contributions to 61传媒are many and varied. A member of the Board of Trustees since 1996, Kathie has served as chair of the Educational Policy Committee, and as a member of the Buildings and Grounds, Admission/Student Affairs, Audit, Development, Nominations and Governance, Investment, and Executive Committees*in short, every Board committee. She also was the 61传媒liaison to the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges from 1984 to her death. But Kathie’s contributions to the College cannot be represented by merely listing committees or memberships. She was a trusted advisor to all College administrators not only because of her deep commitment to Scripps, but because of her no-nonsense, straightforward approach to problem solving and her hard work and reasoned thinking. Kathie’s frequent response to any assignment or request from 61传媒was, “I won’t let you down.” She never did. The College honored her for her service and commitment with the Ellen Browning 61传媒Associates Award for 1993-94.
Beyond her service to Scripps, Kathie was an active volunteer and leader in her community, including a member of the Vestry, All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church; The Braille Institute; Music Academy of the West, Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara, and Junior League of Santa Barbara.
A memorial service celebrating Kathie’s life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. this Thursday, September 30, at All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara (83 Eucalyptus Lane, 805/969-4771). In lieu of flowers, Kathie’s family requests that contributions be made in her honor to 61传媒.”