Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of longtime Hesston College supporters, students at Hesston College with high financial need now have the opportunity to be awarded an institutional scholarship up to full tuition.

The Adrian and Myrtle Miller Scholarship could provide the largest amount of institutional aid ever awarded at Hesston College while honoring a legacy centered on a passion for learning and support of Mennonite higher education.

Myrtle Miller grew up in the Mennonite church, which provided the foundation for her faith journey. She attended Hesston College in 1935 and 1940, receiving a teaching certificate for elementary education and teaching school – often grades one through eight – in several small communities.

After several years of teaching, Myrtle moved to La Junta, Colo., to pursue a nursing degree at La Junta Nursing School, receiving her RN certification in 1947. Throughout her career, Myrtle worked as a staff nurse in clinics and hospitals, as well as in nursing education.

Myrtle met and married Adrian Miller during her time in La Junta. They considered themselves life-long learners and had a passion for discovering and learning new things.

The Miller’s never-wavering commitment to discovery was epitomized both by Myrtle’s variety of occupations, as well as Adrian’s, including jobs at hospitals, accountant, electrician, office manager and operator of a chinchilla ranch. Health issues and his passion for education led him to get his teaching degree in his 50’s. He taught in elementary schools for 19 years, and ended his working years as a social worker. Throughout his lifetime, Adrian earned six degrees from five colleges.

With his love for learning and known for his generosity, Adrian took interest in assisting young people earn a Christian education. After a loan fund at East Holbrook Mennonite Church in Cheraw, Colo., was depleted, Adrian helped students himself and through his tithing. He set up a small loan fund upon his retirement, which he gifted to Hesston College, continuing the relationship the Millers had with the college.

Adrian passed away in 2006, and Myrtle died in 2017 at the age of 101. The Adrian and Myrtle Miller Scholarship was established with estate funds designated for Hesston College.

Additional contributions to The Adrian and Myrtle Miller Scholarship may be made by contacting the Hesston College Advancement Office at 866-437-7866 or online. When doing so, please note the gift’s intention in the memo field.

To discuss ways to support Hesston College with a legacy gift, contact Vice President of Advancement Byron Rupp, J.D., at byron.rupp@hesston.edu.