From the Office of Public Affairs, Bridgewater State College, 9/17/2004

Globe monument dedicated in memory of Dr. Glenn Miller

Friends, colleagues and former students of Dr. Glenn Miller gathered in the garden next to the Marshall Conant Science Building to pay tribute to the late BSC professor of earth sciences and geography, and dedicate a granite globe in his memory.

As a collector of globes, the monument is a fitting tribute to Dr. Miller, said Dr. Vernon Domingo, BSC professor of earth sciences and geography and one of Dr. Miller’s closest friends and colleagues. “We don’t necessarily mourn his loss because he’s not here, but we celebrate all of the impact he had on each and every one of us,” he said.

The etched globe sits on a pillar next to the building where Dr. Miller spent much of his time on campus. Dr. Miller, who also served as graduate coordinator and chair of the Department of Earth Science and Geography, died in 2002 after a battle with cancer.

Several students who spoke at the tribute said they decided to major in geography after taking a course with the professor who was known for coming to class in costume, a penchant for distributing handouts and his enthusiasm for the Rolling Stones.

“The passion and energy he brought to class were unbelievable,” said Mr. James Foley, ’98, a former Marine who struck up a friendship outside the classroom with Dr. Miller based on their common travels in Asia.

Ms. Suzanne DiFalco, ’96, said she had not declared a major until she took a course with Dr. Miller and decided to focus on geography. She recalled the time he came to class in a cow suit and declared that the day’s lesson was on beef teriyaki. “If you spent any time with Glenn Miller, you have a fond memory and funny story to tell because that’s the type of person he was,” Ms. DiFalco said.

Dr. Miller’s wife, Nancy, attended the ceremony and his daughter, Laura, sent a message that was read by Dr. Domingo. It recounted the time she sat in his notoriously cluttered office and counted globes of every size, form and medium. Dr. Domingo explained that the memorial globe was designed with Asia facing forward to represent Dr. Miller’s fascination with the continent.

Ms. Susan McCombe, special assistant to Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, president of Bridgewater State College, read a final tribute before the monument was unveiled. She said she had worked with Dr. Miller on grant research and that her son and his fiancée decided to major in geography because of his influence.

“Bridgewater State College is a better place for Glenn having been here and that’s all any of us can hope for – that the people and places we encounter are better for our having been there,” Ms. McCombe said. – Office of Public Affairs.