‘100-Mile Joe’ Goes the Distance for Students
Adjunct Associate Professor of French Horn Joseph Lovinsky, A.D. — often referred to as “100-Mile Joe” — ran 100 miles with purpose this spring. Not only did he make his 100-mile long-distance goal, he raised $8,500 in scholarship money for current and future Shenandoah Conservatory French horn students. “I love the horn, I love horn students, and I have a real feeling for those who are struggling financially,” said Lovinsky, who retired from the U.S. Army Brass Quintet in July 2013. The first recipients of the 100 Mile Joe Scholarship Award — music performance major Michael Hollin ’15 and music education major Sara Johnson ’15 — were named at the September 2014 Horn Concert.
What was it about Gabriella that left such an impression at Shenandoah? Gabriella was proud to be a big sister and a childhood cancer advocate. She was proud to start our foundation, Smashing Walnuts. She was [also] proud to be a Hornet.”
Ellyn Miller, Gabriella’s mother and executive director and co-founder of the Smashing Walnuts Foundation
100-mile Joe
Shenandoah’s Youngest ‘Star’
Courage, tenacity and infectious wit — as well as a love for learning — described 10-year-old Gabriella Miller of Leesburg, Virginia, who became the youngest person to receive an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree from Shenandoah University. Miller attended a full day of classes on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, complete with homework and quizzes. During a special Commencement ceremony later that day, she served as her own graduation speaker and received the President’s Medal for Outstanding Service in Cancer Awareness. All these experiences fulfilled her wish to graduate from college. Miller was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in November 2012, and she became a national childhood cancer advocate through public speaking engagements and fundraising efforts. Unfortunately, two weeks after her special day at Shenandoah, this incredible 10-year-old passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 26.
Gabriella’s mother, Ellyn Miller, executive director and co-founder of the Smashing Walnuts Foundation, returned to campus in May to deliver Shenandoah University’s 2014 Commencement address. Miller, who works tirelessly to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer, successfully lobbied Congress this spring to pass the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act. Her goal: to increase pediatric disease funding at the National Institutes of Health by $126 million. On April 3, 2014, President Barack Obama signed the act into law.
2014 Shenandoah University Commencement