Alverno College Honors Three for Outstanding Philanthropy

Alverno College will honor two alumni and one friend of the college for their philanthropic contributions to Alverno and the community during the college’s Celebration of Giving event March 18. The annual event is a recognition of those who have generously given their time and financial support to the college. Students who have received scholarships will have the opportunity to personally thank their benefactors.

Abigail Nash will receive the Bene Award, given to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to Alverno through gift support of the college’s programs, operations and capital endeavors. As a dedicated and long-standing member of the Alverno community, Nash has been an integral part of many of the college’s innovations. A member of the Alverno College Board of Trustees since 1984, she has served on the Academic Affairs, Educational and Student Affairs Committees, and served as secretary of the Board from 2016-2018. She currently serves on the Student Experience Committee, where she especially enjoys working with the students.

Sister Jo Ann Miller ’60 will receive the Golden Jubilarian Award, awarded to an alumna celebrating more than 50 years as an Alverno graduate and who has been committed to philanthropy and service throughout her life. As a School Sister educator for over 60 years, Miller’s ministry has focused on enhancing well-being through the discovery and development of individuals’ strengths. For 40 years she worked for Gallup partnering with education and church leaders on a talent-based approach to selection and development of education and ministry personnel. Since 2015, Miller has served as co-director of the Strengths Development Center in Milwaukee, continuing her strengths ministry especially with education and non-profit organizations.

Frank Miller ‘10 is the recipient of the Alverno Ambassador Award, which is bestowed upon an individual who has given time and talents in support of the college and has demonstrated distinguished service. Miller, who worked at Alverno as both the assistant vice president of Marketing and in the development office, helped create and obtain support for the Promise Scholars program, The Girls Academy of Science and Mathematics, peer mentoring programs and the SSTEM scholarship program for science and math majors. He also volunteers at Saint Sebastian School and serves on the board of the Saint Bakhita Catholic Worker House. Miller also spent many years volunteering with the Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) and supports Alverno’s Mary Ellen Powers Research Fellowships for science and math majors.

About Alverno College

Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology, school psychology, music therapy, music and liturgy, and business are open to women and men.

A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report. For two years, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education named Alverno the country’s most inspiring college.

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.