Our Crowdfunding Groups
Thank you for your generous support!
While this project has ended, you can still make a gift at https://umfoundation.com/ignite.
Dear Ole Miss Family and Friends,
We are excited and extremely grateful for your generous support that helped us reach our initial $25,000 goal for the Captain’s Fund campaign, which honors the late Max Miller. Due to continued interest in providing support for this campaign, we have extended our goal to $30,000. If you have made a gift or would like to increase that gift, we thank you. If you have not had the opportunity to contribute, there is still time to help us reach this goal in memory of such an exceptional man.
I was fortunate enough to meet Captain Max early in my career at Ole Miss. I immediately noticed something unique about the Captain: He had a commanding presence, which I respected immensely, but even more than that he had the heart of a servant. He enjoyed helping his fellow co-workers whenever possible. Moreover, he loved encouraging and supporting students and he often went to great lengths at his own personal sacrifice to accomplish his mission of service. His example certainly inspired me and many others throughout his tenure here at the University of Mississippi.
Captain Max leaves behind a wonderful legacy through his precious family, friends and the countless students he served here on the Oxford campus. We so appreciate and are humbled by the support that many of you have shown thus far. Thanks to your generosity, the Captain’s Fund will further sustain Max’s legacy of service by offering additional support to Ole Miss students for years to come.
Sincerely,
Scott Kilpatrick
Former Colleague of The Captain
Dear Ole Miss Family and Friends,
Great news! Last week, the Captain’s fund reached and exceeded its goal of $25,000. This means that, because of your generosity, each year one student will be able to experience the University of Mississippi through a scholarship that honors the late Max Miller, a beloved university administrator. I, along with Janis, Ryan, Patrick and the rest of the Miller family, express our utmost gratitude for your outstanding response to our Captain’s Fund campaign.
Max loved students, and we believe he would want to help as many as possible. So we have increased our goal to $30,000 to strengthen the scholarship that will bear his name and provide opportunities to even more students. Today, we invite you to join us in contributing to this stretch goal. Your continued support will ensure the Captain’s legacy of servant leadership continues at Ole Miss for generations to come.
Again, thank you for your incredible support thus far! As you consider a new or increased gift to the Captain’s Fund, remember one of the Captain’s favorite proclamations: “It’s going to be a great day!”
Sincerely,
Jason McCormick
Former Colleague of The Captain
Family, friends of Capt. Max Miller join to establish scholarship in his name
Family and friends of the late Max R. Miller, Jr. of Oxford, Mississippi, are seeking support for a scholarship fund that will honor the life of the longtime University of Mississippi administrator.
Prior to his death on April 22, 2016, while traveling to meet Ole Miss engineering students on a field trip, Miller had served the university for two decades — most recently as associate director of projects for the Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME) on the Oxford campus. He had provided leadership as associate director of admissions and on staff in the Financial Aid Office and Office of the Registrar.
“Through his multiple roles within the University, my father had the pleasure and privilege of working with many students in their pursuit of a quality education and finding a fulfilling career. He was able to provide wonderful insight, encouragement and wisdom that helped so many students and their families in his time here at Ole Miss,” said Ryan Miller, CME programs manager and assistant director.
Ryan Miller, his brother Patrick Miller of Bossier City, Louisiana, Scott Kilpatrick, CME associate director for internal operations, and Jason McCormick, a UM development officer who previously worked with Max Miller in the Office of Admissions, are raising funds to provide financial assistance to eligible Ole Miss students in any field of study. Gifts of different sizes can be made through the university’s crowdfunding site, Ignite Ole Miss.
“The loss of our father, while devastating, has only solidified our belief that we have been called to find ways to perpetuate his acts of service for generations to come,” Patrick Miller said.
The project owners hope to raise at least $25,000 — enough to establish an endowment in Max Miller’s name, memorializing him among generations of future Ole Miss students.
A native of Bakersfield, California, Max Miller chose to pursue a career of service by attending the California Maritime Academy. After college, he served as a fire fighter in the Kern County Fire Department before beginning a 25-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Miller married Janis Shanahan in 1971 and, after a number of cross-country moves with the military, established a permanent residence in Oxford, where Ole Miss students affectionately dubbed him “Captain Max.”
“Through the generous contributions of all those who knew my father, I am confident that we will be able to continue to impact students’ lives in meaningful ways and continue the work of a great man, a proud Rebel: our Captain Max,” Ryan Miller said.
Kilpatrick said there is perhaps no better way to honor a man whose life was dedicated to student development and success.
“Max Miller’s love for his country was matched by his love for his beloved Ole Miss. He believed his role within the university family was to do something positive for someone else every day and to do so with tact, compassion and often, anonymity,” Kilpatrick said. “He gave so that others might have the chance to pursue their life’s goal of receiving an education at one of the finest academic institutions in the country.”
For more information on donating to “The Captain’s Fund,” click here or contact Jason McCormick at 662-915-1757 or jason@olemiss.edu.
By Bill Dabney
Dear Ole Miss Family and Friends,
My name is Ryan Miller. I am an alumnus and employee of the University of Mississippi. I am writing you to inform you of an opportunity to participate in something very special. As many people know, the Ole Miss family lost a very dear person this past year. My father, Captain Max R. Miller, Jr. (Capt. Max) passed away while serving the University he had grown to love over the last 16 years.
Through his multiple roles within the University, my father had the pleasure and privilege of working with many students in their pursuit of a quality education and finding a fulfilling career. He was able to provide wonderful insight, encouragement, and wisdom that helped so many students and their families in his time here at Ole Miss. His loss, while devastating to me and my family, has only solidified our belief that we have been called to find ways to perpetuate his acts of service for generations to come.
I am pleased to announce the creation of “The Captain’s Fund.” This benevolent scholarship has been created in Max Miller’s name to provide financial assistance to those in need while they pursue their dream of being a college graduate. I am asking that you consider giving to this worthy cause. Through your contribution, I am confident that we will be able to continue to impact students’ lives in meaningful ways and continue the work of a great man, a proud Rebel; our Captain Max.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ryan T. Miller
The deckhand is a steady part of the captain's crew. He or she works tirelessly, carrying out the tasks of the ship. The deckhand's contribution is enormous no matter how small it may appear.
The shipmate is a friend and fellow sailor. He or she works alongside others and often goes above his or her duty to keep the ship moving in the right direction.
The Lieutenant is able bodied and ready to assist the Captain at a moment's notice. He or she can often be found on the bridge of the ship assisting in navigation and facilitating the orders provided by the Captain.
When the Captain is in need, the Commander serves as a trusted confidant. He or she works intimately with the Captain to steer the ship into safer waters. The Captain often relies heavily upon the advice and wisdom of the Commander.