George P. Miller (1952-) | University of Illinois Archives

George Miller was born in 1952, the oldest of three siblings living with their parents in Chicago and later Blue Island, Illinois.  Growing up, their family valued education, learning, the arts, and knowing current events in the world. 

As a young man, George visited the University of Illinois with the Illinois Summer Youth Music Program. Liking what he saw in Champaign-Urbana, he kept U of I in mind for when it came time to apply to colleges.  Then, it seemed to be the natural choice, and he arrived on campus as a freshman in the fall of 1970.  He majored in business, with a concentration in marketing.  He was also a frequent user of the University Library, and even recalled visiting the then-new University Archives. 

In the spring of 1971, he saw an article detailing what would become the Unit One Living-Learning Community, and applied to join the first cohort of students.  He very much enjoyed living in Allen Hall, as well as the opportunities that the community offered, like Professor Neely Bruce's American Music Group, which he joined initially as part of LAS 110.

After graduating, he worked in business for a little while, then decided to return to school to study education.  He then taught high school business for 35 years, and also sponsored the Future Business Leaders of America and the Gay-Straight Alliance.  As of 2024, he is enjoying his 14th year of retirement.