ONEONTA _ Several hundred people turned out Friday night to a retirement celebration held for Hartwick College President Richard P. Miller Jr. at Frisbee Field.
Miller, 65, will leave the position on June 30, after five years at the college. He told the audience it will be up to history to judge the success of his tenure. But several of those who spoke about him said that he will be remembered for a number of accomplishments.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Karl Mosch said that "Dick Miller has been the right guy at the right time" for Hartwick.
"His skills, particularly in fundraising, have helped revitalize the campus," he said, making the campus more attractive and increasing enrollments.
Miller's efforts with alumni have really made a difference in getting the college on a sound financial footing, Mosch said. Among the achievements noted by speakers: Bringing in $35 million in new gifts and commitments; increasing the college endowment by almost 50 percent; increasing enrollment while maintaining a low student-faculty ratio; and increasing permanent faculty by 40 percent.
This will help provide a smooth transition for the 10th president, Margaret Drugovich, Mosch said.
Miller said that what he will remember most about his tenure are the people and his interactions with the community _ both on and off campus.
He didn't really care how people remember him 20 years from now, he said.
Instead, "I just hope the college moves forward and continues to impact people's lives."
He has no plans regarding his retirement.
"I've been planning all my life," he said. It will soon be "time to relax."
Student Senate President Josh Gardner said he has found Miller easy to work with, as "he's always willing to listen and provide input."
Through the renovation of dorms and buildings, and with the completion of Golisano Hall, scheduled to open in August 2008, Miller has helped make the campus something students can be proud of, Gardner said.
Thomas Golisano, whose donation Miller helped secure to make the building possible, was in attendance.
Oneonta businessman Geoffrey Smith said that he has known most of the previous college presidents, having lived in Oneonta all his life. Of Miller, he said, "He's just about the best."
Smith called him "a man of conviction" whose efforts have brought people together.
Miller has "restored and improved Hartwick's relationship with the greater Oneonta Community," said Mayor John Nader.
"His love of the community is obvious," Nader said, "in his decision to live here after his retirement."
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