Two graduates receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for Service
Two graduates of the School of Education are to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for Service to UW-Whitewater that will be presented during ceremonies for Founders Day 2007 on April 21. These 2007 recipients are Rodney H. Johnson and Carol P. Miller.
Rodney H. Johnson
Rodney Johnson received a degree in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Education in 1950. His life-long career as an educator and leader in Wisconsin began in Lake Como, took him to Nekoosa as a teacher and part time principal and to South Milwaukee as an elementary school principal. In 1967, he accepted the position as associate dean of the School of Education at UW-Eau Claire. In 1969 he was appointed dean where he remained until his retirement in 1990.
While at UW-Eau Claire, and because of the dawning computer age, Johnson taught computer and technological skills to teachers and librarians. He is the co-founder and president of the Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity, where he has helped build 20 houses and is still actively involved today.
Johnson was also chairman of the board of the Town of Washington for four years and is an active member of the First Congregational Church of Eau Claire. He has been married for 54 years to Marge. They have a daughter and a son. His children say their dad is a natural born leader who has always balanced family time and civic responsibilities with ease.
Carol (Ponyicsanyi) Miller
Carol (Ponyicsanyi) Miller earned a bachelor's degree in business education in 1966 and a master's degree in counselor education in 1988 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She began her career teaching business education for the Jefferson School District in 1966. Miller accepted the position of assistant director in the Financial Aid office at UW-Whitewater in 1979. She has worked there for 27 years and as director since 1998.
Miller is an active member of the Wisconsin, Midwest and national Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. She has been recognized for her years of service to UW-Whitewater by receiving her 20-year Service Award and the Chancellor's Award for outstanding cooperative efforts in assisting students with disabilities. Miller is also a loyal Warhawk fan and active in the UW-Whitewater's Quarterback Club, Tip-Off Club and the Warhawk Basketball Booster Club.
Miller and her husband, James B. Miller, a 1965 alumnus, have been married for 41 years. When the couple isn't watching Warhawk athletics, they spend their time golfing, walking or playing with their beloved mini schnauzers, Shortstop and Sammy Sosa.
