Kyle Miller Memorial Fund
For 2018 our goal is to continue to build the endowed scholarship at Otterbein University
for a junior or senior in the zoo and conservation science program
with Kyle's passion for wildlife and conservation
and donate to The Ohio Wildlife Center (where Kyle volunteered).
Donations may also be made to support track/cross country programs.
Thank you so much! Your contributions help us to reach our goals!
ABOUT THE KYLE MILLER MEMORIAL FUND
This fund was established to create and continue to fund the Kyle Miller Memorial Scholarship an endowed scholarship at Otterbein University for a Junior or Senior with Kyle's passion for wildlife and conservation in the Zoo and Conservation Science program. Additional contributions may be made to other organizations that promote wildlife and conservation as well as to support track programs.
Otterbein notes that the zoo and conservation science major allows students to explore animals, their husbandry and health, while developing the critical thinking skills needed to frame and solve problems occurring in zoo environments or in wild animal populations that come in contact with human populations.
ABOUT KYLE MILLER AND THE FUND
On March 15th 2014, Kyle was enjoying a beautiful spring day by kayaking with his dog and his friend at Prairie Oaks Metro Park. Things turned for the worse when his dog fell into the frigid water. In attempts to save his dog, Kyle's kayak capsized. Kyle went home to the Lord that beautiful spring day. His family and friends miss his smile, fun loving character and his big heart.
Comments from his eulogy include:
"He touched so many lives with a smile that would light up the room, gentle and adventurous spirit, high energy and sense of humor. He reached out to others so no one was left behind." "Kyle loved well and was well-loved. Kyle set an example for our world. His soul is in heaven with God; his heart is here with us. His love will never go away. His love changed the world for the better."
Kyle was also a gifted athlete. He ran hurdles and threw discus for Hilliard Davidson and ran hurdles for the Otterbein Track Team.
Kyle loved the outdoors, fishing and kayaking and found his passion at Otterbein University with the zoo and conservation science program. He was in the first class at Otterbein with this new major and was enjoying classes such as his sophomore practicum at the Ohio Wildlife Center and his Birds of Ohio class. He volunteered as much as he could at the Ohio Wildlife Center.
Kyle's application for Otterbein Zoo and Conservation Science displayed his passion: "I grew to love the environment and everything that dwells in it. From the smallest critters in the ground to the highest birds in the sky, I've wanted to learn more and more about them and hopefully protect them from the dangers that interacts with most species. I have always wanted to get out in the wild. I want to be the next conservationalist that takes part in saving a wide based ecosystem. I believe, as a whole, society would diminish if we were to lose the natural beauty of our world and the small but significant interactions species have with each other. I want to educate individuals while also increasing my knowledge. I am truly passionate about the environment. I love the outdoors and love the rain as much as the sun. I am excited and grateful for Otterbein in providing us with this chance to be in this program. I believe that Otterbein's zoo and conservation science program will give me the best knowledge and experience a student can gain in a college setting."
This passion was demonstrated one morning when Kyle and his classmate were driving to their shift at Ohio Wildlife Center and spotted an injured red tailed hawk in the middle of Riverside Drive. He quickly turned his car around. After debating what to do with it, Kyle picked up the bird in a blanket and gave it to his nervous classmate to hold, as they drove it to the animal hospital. With the help of the Ohio Wildlife Center staff, the hawk recovered from its injury and was released back into the wild. Kyle was hoping to intern with SCRAM Animal Control and had numerous ideas that the Center will be putting into place to assist their rehabilitation efforts.
