Robert Miller

Dear Office of Admissions at St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM),

I wanted to take this opportunity to share my thanks and personal experience with having not one but three students at SMCM. I am the father of twin boys (Jesse & Zachary Miller, presently freshman at SMCM) and a daughter (Addie, soon to be a freshman at SMCM). I am also an officer in the United States Air Force presently stationed in Germany. We had the good fortune of being assigned to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland in my prior assignment. It was because of this assignment that we were lucky enough to learn about SMCM. As my twins were looking at potential colleges their junior year, the initial focus was on large universities (Ohio State, Penn State, Pitt), and they were totally unaware of SMCM. A recommendation from a High School Guidance Counselor resulted in a chance visit to the campus as we were exploring different parts of Maryland, and the rest is history. After an initial tour and a follow-up visit on a prospective student weekend, they were hooked. My wife and I could not be happier for many reasons.

Although they were both accepted to every school they applied (including the three major universities mentioned above), the decision came down to finding a school where they could call home. There was also no pressure for them to choose the same school from our standpoint, and it was a bit of a surprise that this was the outcome. They reminded us that they had never lived longer than three years in anyone place their entire life as military dependents, so the decision on where to go to college was a major one for them. From day one in the application process. they were more than a name on an application at SMCM. It was amazing to me that staff in Admissions actually knew them by name when we had a reason to call for questions while going through the application process. This personalized approach has continued throughout their freshman year in other departments at the college. When accepted to SMCM, our family was unaware that we would be headed to Germany and be far removed from the boys during their first year of college - something that didn't make their mother and me very happy. Such is the life of being a military family, where home is wherever the Air Force sends you. Once again. we both felt relieved and comforted knowing our boys were at a smaller school with a family-oriented feel where they would be well taken care also thank you to all at SMCM for the ongoing support.

We had the unique opportunity to attend Parent's Weekend this past fall and brought our daughter Addie, who is presently a senior in high school with us in Germany. Yes, she unfortunately had to move her senior year. It was not surprising to my wife and I that she returned to Germany after the visit convinced that she had found the ideal college ...SMCM. There is something special about the school that is not fully apparent until you actually visit and experience things first hand. She applied Early Decision and was thrilled when good news came to our overseas mailbox. We will stilt be stationed in Germany when she starts her freshman year this fait, but my wife and I consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have three kids attending SMCM. Whatever their major and regardless of their future occupation. we know they will be well prepared at SMCM. Most importantly. the boys are thoroughly enjoying their freshman year. and I my daughter can't wait to join them.

Thanks again for all that you do and for making our kids feel welcome in their "new home!"

Sincerely from a grateful parent.

Robert Miller, Col, USAF, MC. FS
Command Surgeon. US Africa Command

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