Celebrating a Kean Alumna in the 100th Year of Her Life: Bertha W. Miller ’81
October 2024
L to R: Saundra Miller, Dr. Sancha Gray, Acting Dean of Kean University's College of Education and Bertha W. Miller '81
Bertha W. Miller ‘81 was born on June 8, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, where she continues to reside with one of her daughters, Saundra Miller. If you tried to guess Bertha’s age based on her graduating class year, you would be far off as this year marks her 100th birthday!
When Bertha was born, Kean University was New Jersey State Teachers College, located right in her hometown of Newark, New Jersey. Little did she know that fifty-one years later, after raising three children and working at several companies, including Prudential, headquartered in Newark, Remco, the toy company, and W. T. Grant, the department store, as well as several local schools, early childhood education centers and head start programs, she would enroll at Kean.
In her own personal homecoming story, Bertha visited Kean University’s campus this fall. During this visit, Bertha and her daughter, Saundra, rode in a golf cart while they toured campus, marveling at the University’s expansion and watching as students rushed to and from classes. After the campus tour, Bertha and Saundra enjoyed lunch with Dr. Sancha Gray, Acting Dean of the College of Education, Vincent McDonald ‘91, a member of the Kean University Alumni Association, and two representatives from the Kean University Foundation, Eileen Cotter, Philanthropy Officer, and Lori Funicello, Director of Planned Giving.
L to R: Saundra Miller, Dr. Sancha Gray, Acting Dean of Kean University's College of Education and Bertha W. Miller '81
Bertha shared her personal life journey during lunch, as well as many photographs of her art, some of which have been on exhibit at the Newark Museum. While visiting campus this past September, Bertha also paid tribute to fellow Kean alumna Gail King ’81, a classmate who became a beloved lifelong friend, by making a gift to the Kean University Center for Africana Studies in her memory. Ms. King passed away last year at the age of 76.
Bertha’s life journey was not easy. Orphaned at a young age, Bertha was raised by her foster parents, Robert and Hester Wilson. While in elementary school, she was told by her teachers that she was not “college bound” simply because of the color of her skin.
Yet, she knew in “her soul” that she was meant to be an educator. And at the age of 51, she enrolled at Kean University and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education in 1981 – and she didn’t stop there! She continued her studies at New Jersey City University and earned her Master of Arts degree in Reading Specialist in 1987.
In 1985, not long after earning her degree from Kean, Bertha was named “Teacher of the Year” by the Hillside Public School District, a testament to her dedication and impact on her students.
Beyond the classroom, Bertha has been a true advocate for her community. She is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women, and has volunteered with many organizations including NJPAC and Project H.O.P.E.
In addition to her teaching career and dedication to community service and volunteerism, Bertha has a natural talent as an artist. She has studied millinery, pattern drafting and line model sketching in New York City.
A woman of many talents, Bertha even launched a home-based baking business, “Naturally Me”, which focused on organic baked goods sought after by many in her local community as well as in NYC.
Bertha’s zest for life, inner strength and compassion for others is obvious as soon as anyone crosses her path. Despite her age, Bertha has not given up as an artist. In fact, Bertha was honored as the oldest contributing artist at the Newark Art Festival just two years ago in 2022, a recognition well deserved which honors her enduring creativity and talent.
As we celebrate Bertha Miller’s centennial birthday, we reflect on her extraordinary journey—one marked by resilience, creativity and an unwavering commitment to education and community service. We hope that Bertha’s passion for life and learning serves as a beacon of inspiration to all, proving that age is merely a number.
Bertha Miller stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, love and the importance of giving back to others through service work and acts of charity.
Here’s to a remarkable woman who continues to touch lives and inspire generations, reminding us of all to stay “young at heart.” Happy 100th birthday, Bertha!