Great to be back in Dover, Delaware, for the celebration of the 38 year career of long-time family friend Elvina Knight, who is retiring as Principal of Caesar Rodney High School next month. Good to see so many friends including Elvina’s daughter, Amanda Kulak, and son-in-law, Chris Kulak (and their children), as well as her husband, Gary, and daughter, Kristin.

As Chair of The Council of Colleges and Universities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), I represented our sponsoring denomination at the meeting of the Executives of Church Related Higher Education (ECRHE) at the National Higher Education Center (DuPont Circle) in Washington, DC, on May 27. Pictured with executives from the Conference for Mercy Higher Education, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Lutheran Education Conference of North America, Council of Independent Colleges, Association of Presbyterian Colleges & Universities, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Mennonite Education Agency, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Association of Reformed Colleges and Universities.

Bethany College and Bethany Beach, Delaware have had a historic relationship dating back to 1901. So nice to see progress on the new Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Conference Center in downtown Bethany Beach: http://bethanybeachnews.com/content/bethanys_founding_church_ready_update

Welcome back to West Virginia long-time presidential colleague Gordon Gee. He is serving for the second time as President of West Virginia University. He has also served as president of Ohio State (twice), Colorado, Vanderbilt, and Brown. 56 years of combined presidential service in this picture.

The Presidents' Athletic Conference recognized its top Scholar-Athletes at the PAC Scholar-Athlete Banquet in Cranberry Twp., Pa. Pictured are (from left) Director of Athletics Brian Rose, Director of Athletics and Recreation, Bethany’s Female Scholar-Athlete winner Skylar Williams, Skylar’s mother Tracy and Bethany head women’s basketball coach Rebecca Upton. Cam Cooper, who was unable to attend the banquet, was Bethany’s Male Scholar-Athlete winner.

Honored to serve as statewide chair of Campus Compact, a collaborative of 28 colleges and universities facilitating community engagement throughout the state. Pictured with our new Executive Director Kelli Jo McNemar.

Enjoyable visit with Dr. Amelia Davis Courts, President of The Education Alliance. Based in Charleston, The Education Alliance advances policies and practices connecting business and education.

Enjoyable evening in Washington, DC, with Bethanians Tom Miller, Arthur Keys, Bob McCann, and Sven de Jong (Senior Vice President). Bob (CEO of UBS for the Americas) hosted us for a discussion with former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, followed by a roof top social at the Hays-Adams Hotel across from the White House.

With Senior Vice President Sven de Jong, Bethanian Tom Miller and Bill Booker of UBS of the Americas at a reception on the roof of the Hay-Adams Hotel (White House in the background).

With Victor Boschini, Chancellor of Texas Christian University, after George W. Bush/Bill Clinton meeting hosted by Bethanian Bob McCann (CEO of UBS of the Americas) at the Reagan Building and International trade Center in Washington, DC. Bob is a graduate of both Bethany and TCU.

With Bethany trustee Ken Bado in Old Main after exiting the rain and hail that contributed to the festive atmosphere toward the end (final 10 minutes) of Commencement in the Pennington Amphitheater.

We invited four of our most active student scholars (now graduates) to lunch with the Board of Trustees. Each spoke on their Bethany experience and prospects for the future. From left, Peter Franklin, Amber Ridings, Morgan Jacobs and Valedictorian Cam Cooper.

Yes. We did have a few student selfies at graduation. Glad to share a happy moment with Raymear Pinchom.

Great visiting with Seth Cawoski during Commencement Weekend. Seth just finished his first year at Columbia University as a part of the Bethany - Columbia dual degree program in Engineering. He attended Bethany for three years and will graduate with degrees from both institutions.

Destined to be one of our great educators, Chelsea Benson graduated Saturday with an overall grade point average of over 3.9. President of Kappa Delta Pi, and an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha, the Student National Education Association, and Kalon Scholars, she also worked as a valued associate in the Office of the President. Among her responsibilities was set up and agenda organization for our Board of Trustee meetings. Thanks for all your hard work -- at the office and on campus -- and best wishes in your bright future!

Three big fans of honors graduate Carlie Fisher visiting with her during Commencement Weekend activities. To the right of Carlie in the picture: Bethanians Joyce and Marc Chernenko. Carlie aspires to be a lawyer.

Yesterday's induction for Kappa Pi, national honor society in visual arts: Alaina Heck, Aaron Anslow, Erika Steers, Deanne Gamble, Kelsey Bish, Kenn Morgan.

Rain didn’t dampen the spirits at the Class of 2014 Picnic in the Old Main Corridor. #scottdmiller #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

Officers of the College signing diplomas for Saturday’s Bethany College Commencement. With Katrina D’Aquin (Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs), Sven de Jong (Senior Vice President), and Eileen Greaf (Vice President for Finance).

Visiting with the serving line crew of Sam Goodge (Director of Student Activities), Lauren Morris (Residence Life Assistant), and Andrew Lewis (Director of Residence Life) at Monday night's Moonbeam Breakfast in the Ogden Dining Hall. #scottdmiller #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

Kathy Furbee (Chair of Social Work), Necol Dunson (Director of the Food Service), and Eileen Greaf (Vice President for Finance) working the fresh fruit bar at Moonbeam Breakfast Monday night in the Ogden Dining Hall.

An honors student, Paige Prato will graduate from Bethany on Saturday following a stellar athletic career in track and field. She set Bison records in the 100 and 200 meter sprints and 400 meter relay. After competing in the ECAC Championships (and possibly the NCAA Championships), she’ll enroll next week in doctoral studies at Ohio University. #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction #bcmillertime

Three students will walk across the stage at the Dr. Fred Tilock Amphiteatre on the Pennington Quadrangle adjacent to Old Main on Saturday with perfect 4.0 grade point averages. In fact, Cameron Cooper, Casey Wynn, and Amber Ridings also earned distinction on their Senior Comprehensive Examinations. All three are headed to impressive graduate programs – Cam to Vanderbilt University, Casey to the College of William and Mary, and Amber to Wake Forrest University. Congratulations these three stellar Bethany College scholars!

It is a real pleasure to have a wonderful group of student assistants/associates working in the Office of the President. Members of this year’s graduating class, Chelsea Benson, Carlie Fisher, and Morgan Jacobs have worked the past three years as associates – greeting visitors, organizing special events, and performing a wide variety of complex organizational assignments. All three are honors students, respected campus leaders and proud members of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. It has been an honor and privilege to see their progress over their time at Bethany. We thank them for their outstanding work, not just in our office, but for taking full advantage of their Bethany experience. They will no doubt be successful in their chosen professions!

Senior Class Council Officers Amber Ridings (President), Candace Williams (Secretary), and Amanda Madurski (Vice President) enjoying the first Senior Week trip for the Class of 2014, an evening at the Improv Comedy Club in Pittsburgh. #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

With Jim Peterson, Skip Smith and Jared Martin -- the Game Day Crew -- at Friday's all campus party in Commencement Hall.

Great turnout Friday at Christman Manor for the year end faculty staff social. With Prof. Mark Sable and Brooke Deal and Coach Bill Garvey. That's Thom Furbee with the photo bomb.

Congratulating Cameron Cooper, captain of the Bison football team, Homecoming King, CEO of the McCann Student Investment Fund, and perfect 4.0 student after he completes Senior Comprehensive Exams with Distinction today (makes him a 4.2 GPA!). That’s his long-time girlfriend and loyal supporter Morgan Jacobs joining us for the picture. Cam will attend a highly selective graduate program in accounting next year at Vanderbilt University.

Congratulating Jared Martin after he successfully completed Senior Comprehensive Exams this morning in Bethany House. Jared has been a regular on the Bethany Broadcasting Network the last four years.

With Brian Rose, former Bethany soccer coach John Cunningham, and current Bison coach Sean Regan at the start of the Bethany Alumni Soccer Association (BASA) golf outing at Indian Run Golf Club today. #scottdmiller #bcmillertime #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

With Morgan Jacobs, center, a student associate in the Office of the President, after she successfully completed Senior Comprehensive Exams in Richardson Hall of Science. Joining us for the picture, Cam Cooper and Jennifer Urbaniak (student assistant) and Stephanie Gordon. #scottdmiller #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

I couldn't make his Senior Comprehensive Examination exit celebration at Bethany House, but was able to congratulate Skip Smith in the cafeteria at lunch time. He has a promising interview with a top network after graduation. Good luck Skip! #bcmillertime #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction #scottdmiller

Campus Power Outages

Due to the storms that rolled through the region this morning, we have experienced some persistent power issues on campus. The power company is actively working on the issue and we anticipate that power to Richardson Hall will be turned off around 4:30 p.m. so repairs can be made. Additionally, Steinman Hall will also be repaired this afternoon which will also restore power to (Bado Place) Greek Hill. It is estimated that each outage will not exceed an hour.

Thank you for your understanding.

The Bethany College Humanities Department held their honor society induction May 6 at the Bethany Beanery in Morlan Hall. Pictured with me: Brooke Deal, Co-Chair of the Department, Kelsey Bish, Gerhard Schultze, Tyler Davis, Taylor Verrico, Katrina D’Aquin, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Harald Menz, Co-Chair of the Department.

The annual induction ceremony for Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology, was held yesterday in Kirkpatrick Hall. The Spring 2014 inductee group is the largest group to be inducted into the Bethany College chapter. The inductees in photo: Daniel Bishop, James Penatzer, Katherine Santor, Kenisha Brown, Rebekah Hudock, Kenneth Lindley, Briana Breault, Kyle Pytlak, Isabella Schau, Marissa Beech, Sara Hogan, Casey Wynn. Kelly L. Schuller, Psi Chi Advisor, Katrina D’Aquin, John Hull. Not pictured: Erika Steers and Heather Hamm.

After 40 years on the faculty of Bethany College, Dr. Larry Grimes retired in 2009. Since that time, he has served as Director of Church Relations, Dean of Buffalo Seminary, authored a popular Hemmingway book, substituted during illness for faculty and the chaplain, among other things. With his class (1964) celebrating a reunion, it was fitting that we recognize Larry for the important role he has played in the life of this College since 1958. Thank you Larry!

The 2014 Scroll Society Breakfast honored members of the Class of 1964 and all Bethanians 50-plus years from graduation. Each member signed the Scroll which is held in the archives of the College and signed in successive years. Pictured, Randy Cooey signing the Scroll. #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

Elizabeth (Beth) Sweeney Athol, a 1982 Bethany College graduate and Pittsburgh attorney, has been named Alumna of the Year at the Alumni Weekend Awards Dinner in Commencement Hall. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University. She currently practices law at the firm Lovett Bookman Harmon Marks LLP, where she specializes in estate and transfer tax planning. Beth serves on the College’s Board of Trustees and is a member of the Executive Committee. She chairs the Advancement Committee and the $52 million “Transformation Now!” capital campaign. She is also a former member of the Alumni Council.

Four outstanding Bethanians were recognized with honors at the annual Alumni Weekend Awards Dinner: Beth Athol ('82, Sewickley, PA), Alumna of the Year; George Manahan ('83, Charleston, WV), Distinguished Service to Alma Mater; Dr. Cheryl Mitchell ('76, Stockton, CA), Alumni Achievement Award; Don Wells ('43, Alexandria, VA), Community Service Award.

Congratulations to our Director of Alumni and Parents Relations Ashley Kanotz, named recipient of the Joyce Chernenko Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award by Panhellenic Council.

Members of the Bethany Reunion Class of 1964, Larry Grimes and Randy Cooey devoted most of their professional lives to Bethany College. Since their retirement, they’ve continued that commitment to Bethany. Larry serves as Director of Church Relations and Dean of the Buffalo Seminary. He has also has filled in for an ailing chaplain and professor. Randy has served as an interim department chair, taught classes, and taken part in senior comps since retiring. Bethany College appreciates this dynamic duo!

Always a gracious host, Mark Hone (owner of Highland Springs Golf Club) with Brian Rose (Director of Athletics and Recreation) and me at the start of the annual Bison Football Golf Outing.

Great turnout at Highland Springs Golf Club for the annual Bison Football Golf Outing.  Joining Head Coach Bill Garvey and I for the picture are enthusiastic Bison football supporters Kerry McCann and Al Ciocca.  Approximately 100 golfers were on the course.

Emily Stinner poses with one of original paintings, "Love it!", at the annual Student Art Exhibit in the Renner Art Gallery.

With good friends and loyal Bethanians Nancy Ratcliffe ('44) and Donald Wells ('43) at the Alumni Weekend opening dinner at Harder Hall. Mr. Wells received the 2014 Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award. Mrs. Ratcliffe is former President of the Bethany Alumni Council.

Enjoyable visit with colleagues at the faculty social at the Bethany Beanery in Morlan Hall. Thanks to the Department of Business, Communications and Media Arts for sponsoring the event. Pictured with Pat Sutherland, Anju Ramjee, John Osborne, Katrina D'Aquin, Jason Smith and M.E. Gamble, Chair of the Department. #scottdmiller #smallcollegeofnationaldistinction

Hosted dinner and awards program at Christman Manor for the Bethany College Kalon Leaders Scholarship Program.

Kudos to junior Lynsie Mandt, who planned tonight's Kalon Leaders Scholarship dinner and Awards Program at Christman Manor. Lynsie is an education major from Columbus, Ohio. Lynsie and I are joined in the photo by Kathy Furbee, Chair of the Department of Social Work and Advisor to the Kalon Program.

Let's get connected! From daily photos of campus activities and student kudos to articles about Bethany and the collegiate world, be sure to follow on all eight social networks for a daily dose of Bethany updates.