In 2000, the Alumni Association decided to set up regional councils to work towards joining alumni in the region with regular opportunities to strengthen their ties to SU. The D.C. council was the first out of the box and has proven itself time and again with its successes. Much of the success came through the efforts of one person, Barbara (Koehler) Miller ’55, this year’s recipient of the Regional Council Leadership Award.

Barbara was on the original steering committee and was the first events chair. She has since served as vice chair and ended her term as chair in 2006. With her involvement, the D.C. council scheduled innovative programs including cruises, athletic events, and unusual meeting places such as the Spy Museum with great success. Perhaps even more importantly, Barbara insisted her council share what it learned with other budding councils in the SU family. No job was too big or too small for her attention.

Her fellow council members admire her “commitment to solid planning, thorough follow through, and attention to detail.” Citing her leadership by example and her dedication to the council, regardless of her role, Barbara is an excellent representation of what council leadership is all about.