DOING GOOD . TOGETHER .
Service is the universal ingredient that brings us all together . I have tried to focus on service in each season of life — serving my mother and father , raising a family and caring for a home , supporting an energetic and entrepreneurial husband , building and protecting a company , and serving my neighbors and community .
Operating from a place of love allows us to tap into our light and truth , and it gives us a greater advantage in building relationships of trust and loyalty . When you open your heart , you find an energy that sustains you and gives you purpose .
In 2022 , we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Larry H . & Gail Miller Enrichment Scholarship program at the University of Utah . This scholarship awards full tuition and fees , on-campus room and board , mentoring resources , career services and a textbook allowance to first generation students pursuing their education at the University of Utah . More than 200 students have had access to an education and resources that otherwise might have been unable to pursue their education . Judge Andy Valdez , Utah ’ s first Hispanic judge , was the inspiration for Larry and me to create the Miller Enrichment Scholarship program .
At eleven years old , Andy was struggling and did not have the resources to be successful . He was selling newspapers on the corner to support his family . A man named Jack Keller met Andy , gave him a job and taught him to play tennis at the local country club . He took him to competitions and tournaments all over Salt Lake City . Andy started excelling in the classroom and on the tennis court . Then one day , Jack disappeared . He had lost his business and moved to California .
Andy went back to his old ways and stopped playing tennis . However , members of the community reached out to Andy and involved him in the game again .
He started competing around Utah and the United States . Andy then attended college and eventually law school . Andy Valdez ultimately became Judge Andy Valdez , the first Hispanic judge in Utah .
One day he was at the grocery store and saw a man panhandling outside . He immediately realized it was Jack Keller . Andy took Jack in and looked after him until he passed .
Judge Andy Valdez has given back to our community in many ways and is a champion for children . Larry heard Andy ’ s story when he was receiving an award at Salt Lake Community College . This experience inspired Larry and me to create the Miller Enrichment Scholarship program using Judge Valdez ’ s advice and recommendations .
We believe that through hard work , integrity , stewardship and service , those with courage and vision can drive innovation , create extraordinary experiences and define the future . If you lead with love , success will follow . The future is bright .
Our family is involved in various philanthropic initiatives like the Miller Enrichment Scholarship program that provides opportunities and helps us enrich lives . It is my desire that , along with our community and partners , we can continue to do good together . Using our time , talents , energy and love to contribute to and serve in the communities where we live makes them better for everyone .
We believe in Doing Good . Together .
Sincerely ,
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If you pay it forward , there is a ripple effect . I was able
to give back because someone gave to me .
Judge Andy Valdez
Larry H . & Gail Miller Family Foundation Board - Chair
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