We can’t see what’s around the bend. Starting down any path requires faith. Early in Pam’s professional career, she had faith that further education, specifically at Edgewood University, would benefit her.
Working full-time and going to school nights and weekends in the Master of Business Education Program was challenging, Pam says, but do-able. Pam knew the relationships she was building with her professors and the in-depth class discussions would pay off. “I loved my graduate school experience. The schedule was convenient while working full-time, and I appreciated that professors taught the classes, not Teaching Assistants.”
Professors including Bill Duddleston, Phil Brereton, Elaine Beaubien, and Sr. Esther Heffernan motivated Pam to excel. She responded well to their encouragement and at graduation, she was honored as the “Outstanding MBA student of 1991.” Professor Beaubien wrote in Pam’s award letter, “Your scholarship, enthusiasm for learning, willingness to share knowledge, discipline, professionalism, and capacity to serve as a role model were cited when discussing your candidacy.”
Pam carried that award’s momentum into her professional career where she became more effective in tackling problems with critical thinking, analysis, and research techniques. Her time in the classroom also opened her eyes to the quintessential importance of collaboration and gathering input from multiple sources to arrive at creative solutions.
Edgewood University was the springboard that launched her journey down another path, that of educator and leader. The common thread for Pam throughout her education and career was her exceptional ability to lead a project and engage with a variety of partners – those skills initially forged in her MBA Program.
For over 30 years, Pam and her husband, Tom, an Edgewood High School alum, have generously supported students at Edgewood University, both with financial gifts and volunteering. Pam’s career experience and passion for helping others naturally led to her service as an active member of the Edgewood University Employer Advisory Committee and the MATC Supervisory Management Advisory Committee.
Pam and Tom wish to make others’ educational journey possible, even beyond their own lifetimes, by committing a portion of their estate to create the Pamela S. (Converse) MBA ‘91 and Thomas P. Miller Endowed Scholarship. Together, Pam and Tom firmly believe in the power of education, something once gained no one can take away.
For years to come, future students who may not have had the opportunity otherwise will have the Millers’ support in following their dreams. A decision Pam knows from personal experience they will not regret.