Gail Miller, noted philanthropist and businesswoman, is set to speak at the USU Eastern 75th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. in the BDAC.
Gail Miller was chosen by the Regional Advisory Board for USU Eastern to be the commencement speaker. Wife of the late Larry H. Miller, she is owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies and chairman of the organization’s advisory board. Her many accomplishments and civic service include overseeing the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation, serving on the board of trustees of Salt Lake Community College, and organizing The Rest of the Jazz – a nonprofit group that involved the spouses of Utah Jazz players in charitable work. This past year, she was named The Salt Lake Tribune’s Most Influential Sports Figure in Utah for 2009.
A native of Salt Lake City, Gail was born sixth in a family of five boys and four girls. She attended Horace Mann Junior High School, where she first met her future husband. They dated while attending West High School, and upon graduation, Gail spent several years working for Mountain Bell Telephone Company. After six years of dating, the couple wed on March 25, 1965.
In 1979, Gail and Larry Miller launched their own business with the purchase of Larry H. Miller Toyota in Murray, Utah. From its start as a single-dealership operation, the business has grown over the past 30 years into one of the largest privately-owned group of companies in the nation, with Gail playing a significant role in its success and development.
Devoted to her family, Gail enjoys spending time with her five children, 23 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her hobbies include sewing, knitting, crocheting and scrapbooking. She is also interested in genealogy and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. In addition to focusing on her family, she finds fulfillment in providing civic, church and community service.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Services Greg Benson will present the graduates after Miller’s speech.
This year for the first time, one student will graduate with a master’s degree and six students with a bachelor’s degree. They will be presented along with the number of students graduating with an associate’s degree. There are 280 graduate candidates.