IU Kokomo students compiling tributes for ‘international dad’

By Ann-Marie Damler

Retired since 1994, Miller maintains his campus office as a base for his involvement in more than a dozen civic organizations and with international students. He frequently uses his connections with local Rotary, Community Foundation and other groups to introduce international students to area residents and get newcomers involved in community volunteerism. “I want to impress upon the people of Kokomo how diverse Kokomo really is,” Miller said in a 2002 interview. “I want to make sure that these agencies take in these new people, accept them and make use of their talents.”

“Emily” Yuanjie Fan Morris is spearheading the tribute to Miller. Originally from Dalian, a city in northeastern China, Morris came to Indiana with her husband Tim Morris, an employee of DuPont Photomasks in Kokomo. A high school history teacher in China, she is now pursuing a master’s degree in education at IU Kokomo. Like so many other students who’ve come from other countries, Morris has benefited from Miller’s interest and kindness. “He helps us to adjust to life in the United States,” she said. “We think of him as our surrogate American dad.

“I study very hard. That’s my way to pay (Miller]) back,” Morris added.

Morris suggested two ways by which interested parties can send Miller “some words from the bottom of their hearts.” They can call 765-455-6015 and record a one-minute message to Miller. Or, they can write a tribute and send it to emily_fan_2000@yahoo.com. Messages should be received by June 8.