News Release

Alice Miller, Wilmington University Student Activities Coordinator, Honored with 2014 DAWN Rising Star Award

Alice Miller, Coordinator of Student Activities at Wilmington University, was honored as one of two recipients of the Delaware ACE Women’s Network (DAWN) Rising Star Award. The awards were presented at the organization’s annual award dinner at the Delaware Technical Community College Stanton Campus in late October.

The Rising Star Award is presented annually to at least one woman in higher education in Delaware who has clearly demonstrated the potential to become a leader in the field. Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to any aspect of higher education and have a track record of contributions in higher education, community service and overall leadership. 

"This is a very prestigious award in higher education," said Dr. Tina Barksdale, Assistant Professor and Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations and Student Affairs. "Dr. LaVerne Harmon and I nominated Alice because she has shown tremendous leadership and the potential to do great things in a relatively short period of time. Alice received votes for her award by DAWN members from all of Delaware's colleges and universities. She has a bright future at Wilmington University and we see only positive things in her future."

Miller began her career at Wilmington University as a Student Life Associate. She was promoted to Coordinator of Student Activities in just two years. She further expanded her involvement with students by becoming the advisor to the University's Student Government Association during that time.

In her current role, Miller plans activities and events that promote student learning, personal growth and opportunities for students to connect with each other as they become more engaged with the University.

“I am extremely honored to be nominated for this award,” said Miller. "It shows me that I have a future here, at Wilmington University.

"I want to grow into a real leadership role by assuming greater responsibility," Miller continued. "Five years from now, I want to be in a position to help students as they acclimate to student life at the University while working with them to plan and execute student events. My goal is to help more students take on leadership roles that translate into service and other ways of contributing to our community."

"Alice has been recognized by her peers and superiors at Wilmington University as a Rising Star based on the quality of her service, positive attitude, passion, willingness to help and valuable communication skills," Dr. Barksdale commented. "She is recognized on campus as a real team player. While Alice is pursuing her master's degree in management and organizational leadership, she also maintains a high level of involvement with the University community through projects outside of her job responsibilities."

“I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such great examples of leadership," said Miller after the event. "I genuinely feel that everyone in the Wilmington University family wants me to do well. I appreciate all of the opportunities that come from being involved with both the University community and our students." 

Casey Impagliazzo, communications specialist with the University of Delaware’s University Student Centers, was also honored as a Rising Star Award recipient. The guest speaker for the event for the event was Anna Weitz, president of Pennsylvania's Reading area Community College. Approximately 85 people attended the event, all of whom promote the advancement of women in higher education in Delaware.

About DAWN

Delaware ACE Women’s Network (DAWN) provides national leadership in advancing women to executive positions on campus and serves as a national voice for women in higher education.  Staff members also work in collaboration with associations and other groups in higher education on ways to improve the status of women. 

About Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing doctoral institution in America 2002 – 2012 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.

Published: Thursday, November 20, 2014 - New Castle, DE