Joan Walsh Miller – the late wife of long-time JIRP director Dr. Maynard M. Miller – was the behind-the-scenes engine that made JIRP work. A January 7, 1984 article in the Idahonian/Palouse Empire Daily News on Joan’s work reports her saying:
“Mal is the ‘soul’ of the program, and she’s the ‘workings’ of it”
For over fifty years Joan was devoted to the success of the Icefield program. Each year, for decades, Joan made the trek to Juneau and on to Atlin to take the helm of the logistics and business administration that steers a successful JIRP field expedition. Joan’s efforts extended beyond the summer program to off season fundraising, proposal writing, reports, reunion organization, newsletter preparation, writing reference letters for students, and more.
Joan took much pride in her JIRP efforts as they lead to the direct support of more than 1,500 students and some 400 associated faculty and staff during her decades of involvement. It is beyond doubt that without Joan’s many years of devoted support our JIRP experiences would not have been.
In memory of Joan, her phenomenal dedication to JIRP and particularly to JIRP students, we are excited to announce the Joan W. Miller JIRP Scholarship Fund. Donations will be used to help cover tuition costs of selected participants so that the JIRP experience can be accessible to all prospective students.
Please join the members of the FGER (Foundation for Glacier and Environmental Research) board of trustees, and others in giving generously and supporting future JIRP students. Help make the JIRP experience that we are privileged to have lived an opportunity for others. Your tax-deductible donation can be made online via PayPal, or directly to FGER via check or credit card:
Online via PayPal:
By sending a check or credit card details to:
Foundation for Glacier and Environmental Research
4616 25th Avenue NE, Suite 302
Seattle, Washington 98105
Please make checks payable to FGER, and note that your donation is for the JWM JIRP Scholarship Fund.
As with the M3 JIRP Legacy Fund we would like to offer you the opportunity to send a personal note to the Miller family along with your donation. You may include your personal message in the PayPal checkout process or with your donation via the FGER mailing address.
Your contribution to the Joan W. Miller JIRP Scholarship Fund helps to preserve Joan’s phenomenal legacy and to support future JIRP students in her name. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Juneau Icefield Research Program.