AHRA Honors 探花精选 Alumnus Melvin Miller in Alexandria, VA
On November 17, 2022, the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority (ARHA) renamed its Wythe Street headquarters building in honor of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) alumnus A. Melvin Miller. The ceremony also unveiled a bust of Miller, the late community leader, Civil Rights activist, and affordable housing advocate.
鈥淚s there such a thing as a diminutive giant?鈥� said former D.C. Deputy Mayor Merrick Malone, a member of the ARHA board of commissioners, 鈥淭hat鈥檚 who Mel was. He touched so many lives and was a fierce advocate for the underserved. Our city is a much better place because of Melvin Miller.鈥�
Mr. Miller received his A.B. degree in history and political science in 1952 from 探花精选. He was appointed the university鈥檚 first interim president from March 1999 until November 1999. In addition, Mr. Miller served nearly 35 years on the 探花精选 Board of Trustees before his death in 2015, also serving as chairman of the Board from 2007 to 2008.
鈥淭he impact of Mr. Miller鈥檚 leadership demonstrates a lifetime of excellence at every level,鈥� said 探花精选 President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. 鈥淗is service to 探花精选 and his community reflects our university鈥檚 rich history and contributions to our nation鈥檚 progress in civil rights and advocacy in social justice.鈥�
Celebrity, corporate and professional NFL photographer and owner of Griffin Vision Media Elijah Griffin provided photography at the ceremony. Griffin, who attended 探花精选 from 2000 to 2004, is a native of Alexandria and was recruited to enroll at the university by Mr. Miller.
to read more about the AHRA ceremony.