Teresa Miller smiling.

Announcing the Professor Teresa A. Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund

Honoring a teacher, advocate and champion of social justice

Teresa Miller always made an impression. She exuded personal warmth and a professional commitment to using education and the law to advance the human condition. 

Teri, who died on August 6, 2021 at the age of 59, joined the law school faculty in 1995, specializing in immigration law, criminal procedure and prisoner law. During her distinguished career at UB, she was elevated to the role of UB’s inaugural vice provost for inclusive excellence where she made great strides in leading the university’s efforts to build a culture of equity, diversity and inclusivity. Her vision built the Office of Inclusive Excellence and launched forward-looking programs like the Difficult Conversations series, which continues today.

Recognizing her commitment and contributions to the field, after 26 years at UB, Teri was appointed SUNY’s senior vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and chief diversity officer, continuing the important work that was her life’s passion. Throughout the course of her career, Teri made an indelible mark on issues of social justice and equity, not only through her leadership, but also through her dedication to teaching and mentoring law students.

As we mourn the loss of Teri’s indomitable spirit, her family, friends, and colleagues seek to honor her memory and tremendous contributions to our world by establishing the Professor Teresa A. Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund at UB, which will provide a full tuition scholarship to a student enrolled in UB’s School of Law. In order to build upon Teri’s legacy, preference will be given to talented students from underrepresented minorities with a desire to champion social justice and civil rights.

Here Is How You Can Honor Teri’s Memory and Help the Next Generation of Social Justice Advocates

At the School of Law, we believe an equal and fair judicial system must reflect our full range of cultures, beliefs, and the voices of our democracy. Scholarships are the key to recruiting exceptional and driven individuals to UB—and to offering them educational experiences that instill the knowledge and skills they will need to effect important change.

We have set a bold goal to raise $625,000 to endow this scholarship fund in Teri’s honor. Working together to build this endowed fund, at this level, will create a full tuition scholarship that will support a future law student through all three years of law school. By contributing a gift of any amount in Teri’s memory, you will not only change the life of a UB Law student but also provide a fitting and lasting tribute to one of our community’s most venerable advocates and individuals.

Special Tax Credit

Donations of $10,000 to $100,000 may qualify for a special tax credit for the 2021 calendar year through the SUNY Impact Foundation.   To apply for this special tax credit program, contact SUNY Impact Foundation Executive Director Marianne Hassan at Marianne.Hassan@suny.edu by November 15, 2021.  Program funds are limited and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact:
Karen R. Kaczmarski, Esq. '89

Vice Dean & Senior Director of Advancement
716-645-6429
krkacz@buffalo.edu