Bradley Announces $3.66 Million Scholarship Gift for Peoria Public School Students

Bradley University is pleased to announce the receipt of a $3.66 million gift to provide scholarship support for graduates of the Peoria Public School System. The gift, made by Bradley alumnus Gregory Miller, Class of 1962, was provided through his estate as a legacy to his own educational experiences at Peoria High School and Bradley University in the late 1950s and early 1960s. 

“This is a wonderful gift for Bradley that will benefit generations of public school students in Peoria,” said Bradley University President Stephen Standifird. “Greg Miller grew up in Peoria, graduated from Bradley, and went on to lead a life of meaning and purpose, while never forgetting his roots and how it all started. I am profoundly grateful for his vision and generosity in establishing The Gregory Miller Scholarship Endowment.”

After graduating from Bradley, Miller served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard, finished flight school training in 1963, and concluded his active service in 1967. During his subsequent career as a commercial airline pilot, Miller worked for National Airlines, Pan American Airlines and Delta Airlines, before retiring in 1997 as Captain Gregory Miller.

“The Miller Scholarship Endowment will further enhance opportunities for Peoria Public School graduates to chart their own paths similar to Greg’s, from Peoria, to Bradley and beyond,” said D.J. Menifee, Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, Communications and Retention at Bradley University. “A scholarship opportunity like this is invaluable to the university as we look to build upon our historically strong ties with the local community and provide opportunities for students who seek a Bradley education.”

Miller married Marylu Rossomando in 1972, and they remained married for 48 years until her passing in August 2020. After Miller’s retirement from Delta Airlines, they resided between Prescot, Arizona and a home in Bayfield, Colorado, where they both were involved in organizations that supported the arts and animal welfare. Miller also served The Yavapai College Foundation and served on its Board of Directors as a member of their scholarship committee.

Miller was proud of his ties with Bradley and Peoria, often returning for reunion events and frequently engaging with Bradley faculty and staff through the years. They were members of the 1897 Legacy Society at Bradley, which recognizes those alumni and friends who have remembered Bradley in their estate plan. The creation of this endowed scholarship continues the long tradition of Bradley alumni making a difference in the lives of the university’s students and faculty.

–Libby Derry