By Josh Chapin, Miami University

Oxford, OH—Anedra Million ’97, ’01 M.Ed., the 2024 Mrs. Ohio, will serve as ambassador for Ohio’s School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention.

Anedra Million ’97, ’01 M.Ed. is committed to amplifying student voices, whether that is through social emotional learning, mental health initiatives, or drug and alcohol abuse and prevention programs.

Million, a teacher at Highview Sixth Grade Center in Middletown, uses her platform as Mrs. Ohio to share those principles. Soon, she’ll be using another platform — as the ambassador for Ohio’s School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention.

The partnership is a natural one, said Cricket Meehan, executive director of the center, which is based in Miami University’s Department of Psychology.

“Dr. Million’s enthusiasm for this very important work is inspiring,” Meehan said. “It aligns with our vision and mission perfectly.”

Staff, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and community partners at the School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention work to build confidence, competency, and innovation in school-based prevention and early intervention.

One priority for the center is to build collaborative relationships with schools and community agencies in an effort to address the mental health and school success of children and adolescents through promoting expanded mental health programs and services.

Million received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Miami before completing her Ph.D. In 2024, she was crowned Mrs. Ohio and later earned runner-up status at the Mrs. America competition in August.

The performance was historic. Million was the first Mrs. Ohio to finish in the top two at Mrs. America in nearly 30 years. Should the current Mrs. America win the Jan. 30 Mrs. World Pageant in Las Vegas, Million will be named the new Mrs. America.

“As a first-generation college student and the first in my family to graduate with a doctorate degree, I am grateful for the educational foundation that Miami University has gifted me,” Million said. “I have continued to take all that Miami has given me throughout my nearly three decades as an educator. I am most looking forward to amplifying the causes of mental health, social emotional learning, and student voice.”

As part of Million’s new role, she hopes to implement a statewide Mental Health Awareness Day, as well as potentially a week that is dedicated to mental health for school districts across Ohio. Another of Million’s goals is embedding more mental health and social emotional learning programs in school districts, both statewide and nationwide.

Million also plans to advocate for a Student Voice Day where students can champion causes important to them, as well as continuing to support drug and alcohol prevention programs.

“It is so important for students to understand the importance of making informed choices that will impact their today and their tomorrow,” Million said.

“I want to amplify student voices and the importance of students being at the heart of education.”

“We’ve never had an opportunity like this before to bring our message to groups of people who will be very excited about connecting with Dr. Million,” Meehan said. “There are young people who will be very inspired by her and her message and adults who we can reach in different ways. It will be very exciting to see how this grows.”

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By Gina Roth, Cincinnati Herald Intern

Of course I move to Over the Rhine in the middle of a blizzard. As a Miami University student taking part in a special program, I’m only in Cincinnati to write for the Cincinnati Herald for 3 weeks.

It’s just my luck that on day one of my internship the city is struck with snow like it hasn’t seen in years. I was completely snowed in.

The Herald works completely remotely, so it’s not like the weather was keeping me from coming into the office. I should just be able to hop on the zoom call from the comfort of my own apartment. Wrong.

My university provided accommodations don’t have Wi-Fi service. At my place, my computer is practically useless. I knew about the remote work and lack of Wi-Fi in advance, but I wasn’t prepared for the snow.

I had planned to go to a nearby café or the newly renovated library to hop on their free internet, but with the advent of Snowmageddon, that was liking less possible.

At 8:30 a.m. Monday morning my roommate Kiley and I made it down all three floors of our walkup and across multiple city blocks to get to Coffee Emporium for a 9 a.m. Zoom meeting. We were met with a closed café, and a cold 10-minute walk home. I ended up calling into the meeting by phone.

On Monday everything was on lockdown, so I hoped Tuesday would be a bit better.

Kiley and I tried Coffee Emporium again at noon, this time welcomed by an open café. However, their Wi-Fi was down and my roommate and I had to rely on her hotspot.

So, in a post-pandemic work from home world, I found myself wishing I just had an office to go into.

Feature Image: A snowplow tries making a difference on the snow-covered roads in Over-the-Rhine. Photo by Gina Roth

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By Alecia Lipton

Miami University

Bellamy Durojaiye, an 8-year-old student at Symmes Elementary School, is defending her title in the 2024 Jr. Olympics (July 22 -28).

As a member of the 513 Elite Track Club, under the guidance of Coach Kim Newman, Bellamy Durojaiye will be showcasing her versatility in the triathlon, high jump, shot put, and the 400-meter dash at the 2024 Jr. Olympics.    

Durojaiye, the daughter of Ande Durojaiye, Vice President and Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences for Miami University Regionals, and Jillian Durojaiye, is supported by her loving family in her athletic journey.    

Teammate, 11-year-old Adrienne Knox, joins Durojaiye competing in the pentathlon, long jump, 80-meter hurdles and high jump. Adrienne has been competing for six years.  

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Contributed

Vada Stephens, a Miami University graduate and Greater Cincinnati native, currently serves as Chief of Staff for Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece. He is the youngest person in history to occupy this role in county government. 

As the senior advisor and top aid, he works diligently to plan, manage, and execute the Commissioner’s policy agenda, communication strategies, and serve as a liaison for our community, businesses, organizations, civic leaders, and more. 

Recently, Vada was selected out of hundreds of diverse applications from across the world to participate in Harvard Law Schools “Harvard Future Leaders in Law Fellowship” program starting this July. Participants are selected from a range of lived experiences for a  residential fellowship and year long preparation to help  them to apply for admission to law schools around the nation. Fellows engage with faculty, staff, students, and alums while on campus and cover test and application preparation, mentorship, field trips, and more.

Vada is 1-30 professionals from around the world chosen for this prestigious fellowship. Vada comes from a long lineage of civil rights and community driven advocates, with his grandparents organizing for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and registering voters.  Vada has dedicated his time and energy toward serving the community and is very active as President of the Southwest Ohio Young Black Democrats, member of the Urban League Young professionals, member of the Greater Cincinnati National Action Network, and more. 

The post Hamilton County staffer selected for Harvard program appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed

OXFORD. OH – Nearly 4,100 degree candidates recently graduated at Miami University’s 185th Spring Commencement as graduates filled Yager Stadium in a sea of cardinal red.

A total of 4,099 degrees were conferred during the ceremony, including 3,480 bachelor’s degrees; 419 master’s degrees; 131 certificates; 56 associate degrees; and 13 doctorates.

Brian Niccol ’96 was this year’s commencement speaker. Niccol, chairman and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, has maintained strong ties to Miami since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, Engineering Management. Niccol and his wife, Jennifer ’97, recently donated a $2 million gift to the Miami men’s basketball program, as well as providing the Niccol Family Basketball Award for Excellence in Academics and Athletics.

The top 10 undergraduate degrees to be conferred this year are: Marketing (284), Finance (272), Psychology (209), Biology (148), Nursing (121), Political Science (111), Kinesiology (109), Computer Science (108), Strategic Communications (102), and Supply Chain and Operations (83).

A total of 14.9% of students earning a bachelor’s degree will graduate with cum laude honors, 10% magna cum laude, and 5.7% summa cum laude. For associate degree recipients, 7.1% will graduate with cum laude honors and 3.6% magna cum laude.

Degree candidates represent 43 states and 23 countries.

Additionally, four honorary degrees will be awarded. Those recipients are: 

• David Dafoe, founder and owner of Flavorman and one of the country’s foremost authorities on flavor. Dafoe graduated from Miami in 1984 with a B.A. in Zoology.
• Sharon Draper, author and educator whose novel “Out of My Mind” was recently adapted into a film. Draper earned a M.A. in English from Miami in 1973.
• Brian Niccol, who has helped accelerate sales growth in his roles as chairman and CEO of Chipotle.
• Tom Smith, founder and managing partner of Prescott General Partners, a private asset management firm. Smith graduated from Miami in 1950 with a B.S. in Economics and recently donated a fourth sculpture to Miami’s Oxford campus.

The post Miami University hosts 185th commencement appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed 

The Department of Sociology and Gerontology at Miami University has now placed 60 students at some of the most impactful social service and justice agencies in Cincinnati and Hamilton County in five years through its social justice internship and experiential learning program. The fifth cohort of the program completed its work by presenting on their learning in a reception at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Walnut Hills branch.

From a class writing assignment by Sarah Josiah-Otto, a third-year pre-med major from Port-Harcourt, Nigeria: “As a pre-med student deeply invested in public health, my internship at Crossroad Health Center has been an eye-opening journey. It’s been an invaluable part of my journey shaping my approach to medicine with a more holistic perspective. I’ve encountered a series of challenges that have both tested and expanded my understanding of public health, particularly within historically marginalized communities. 

“One of the most profound challenges has been grappling with the stark realities of social stratification and its impact on healthcare access. I’ve always believed in the power of medicine to not only heal, but also to bridge gaps in our society. This belief has been reinforced as I’ve provided resources to patients grappling with food insecurity and housing issues. Food and shelter are fundamental human needs, yet for many, they remain out of reach. During my internship, I’ve witnessed the reality of this struggle and the profound impact it has on health.”

Miami pays for students’ rent in a building owned by Over-the-Rhine Community Housing and for the one-hour credit hour, whether the student is in- or out-of-state. Students work daily during the university’s J-term, which runs three to four weeks in January. 

Dean Christopher Makaroff calls it “a signature program of the College of Arts and Science.”

Several of the students said they came away from their work in the social justice agencies with a better sense of compassion and empathy for those who are struggling with their lives.

Mark Curnutte, social justice instructor and program founder and director at Miami University who supervised the interns, said, “With so many problems in society, it is encouraging that these  students give you hope. I am  really proud of them.”

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By Josh Chapin

Miami University

Oxford, Ohio – Excitement was palpable as Wil Haygood ’76 took to the podium at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Nov. 14. The Grand Hall was filled with colleagues, admirers, and friends who traveled far and near to see the acclaimed author and journalist receive one of Miami University’s highest honors, the Freedom Summer of ’64 Award. However, they didn’t know they would be the first to hear some big news. 

During his acceptance remarks, which included him sharing his career journey andacknowledging those who’ve inspired him along the way, Haygood announced that the Wil Haygood Collection, which contains thousands of items and documents from his storied career, will be given to his alma mater.

The collection is unique given Haygood’s dual career as a journalist and an author/biographer. His passion for storytelling led to his front row seat and byline to worldwide headlines, such as the 20th anniversary celebration of the March on Washington, the Berlin Wall, the 1990 release of anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned 27 years and later became the first president of South Africa, and the 1992 riots in Los Angeles.

“It’s probably one of the more robust collections of this type of material amassed by any single writer anywhere on this subject matter,” Haygood said. “It is my goal that students, scholars from Europe or Africa or anywhere are able to come to Miami and look at this collection.”

The collection contains early drafts of some of his books (including comments and notes from editors), behind-the-scenes production notes from the 2013 movie “The Butler,” authored but unproduced film scripts, rare photographs from world travel, letters from world leaders and public figures, and so much more.

The Wil Haygood Collection gives readers an extraordinary view into the writing room of the story of America.

Research and archived materials have special meaning for Haygood. As he said during a talk given at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation, “If I can get to the library, I can travel the world.”

“While my writing journey has involved interviewing many, many hundreds of people, I have also sat for untold hours inside the Library of Congress doing research,” Haygood said. “And I have visited several presidential libraries peering at and reading over important documents. The archival research can be thrilling and so important. I want my collection to both inform and inspire, as many collections have done for me.”

That same passion, but different format, has led to 10 books. The Wil Haygood Collection will also include interviews from veterans of the Vietnam War, which is the topic of his next book.

“Journalists who have the talent to write books tend to wait on a publisher to spot something they’ve written in a newspaper and then approach them with a book idea,” Haygood said. “I never did that. I always came up with my own book ideas. And I chose epic subjects — Sammy Davis Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, the century-long lifeblood of Black cinema — and book editors also found those subjects fascinating and realized they needed exploring.”

Haygood’s career as a journalist spanned time spent at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Boston Globe to the Washington Post. A Pulitzer Prize finalist, Haygood received the Ella Baker Social Justice Award in 2013, the Miami University President’s Medal in 2018, and the Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award in 2022.

Haygood’s first national assignment was on the 20th anniversary of the deaths of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, Civil Rights activists who were murdered during Freedom Summer in Mississippi.

Haygood is donating his collection in honor of Schwerner, Goodman, and Chaney, and as a tribute to Rick Momeyer, Miami professor emeritus of Philosophy, and the other Freedom Summer ‘64 activists. Miami’s Freedom Summer of ’64 Award is given each year to a distinguished leader or organization who has inspired the nation to advance Civil Rights and social justice. It recognizes the spirit of the 800 volunteers who trained at Oxford’s Western College for Women, now part of Miami’s Western Campus, to register Black voters in the South.

“When I stepped on campus in 1972, I did not know anything about Freedom Summer,” Haygood said. “As I became a reporter and as I was going to the South, I started reading the Civil Rights giants — Bob Moses, Dorothy Height, etc. — and the conversations so often turned to Freedom Summer. I knew I had gone to school and lived in a town that had a connection to Freedom Summer.”

With the anniversary approaching, Haygood took it upon himself to pitch the story to Royal Ford, the Boston Globe’s national editor. Ford “hardly knew who I was,” Haygood recalled, but he still had the confidence to make the proposal.

Ford wasn’t aware of the impending anniversary, but he did know one thing: The story had found its reporter.

“If I hadn’t made it at Miami, there’s no telling what route my life would have taken,” Haygood said.

“I hope Miami University can find room maybe to honor Civil Rights and what this work has meant to me,” he said at the ceremony. “It is my life.”

Miami University President Gregory Crawford confirmed during the ceremony that there would indeed be a space dedicated for the Wil Haygood Collection.

“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Wil and his extraordinary work,” President Crawford said. “It’s been such an inspiration to our students. We are truly excited about this collection. We’ll have a Wil Haygood room for you. Thank you, we’re so grateful.”

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