Alumni recognized for their commitment and service to the University

The University of Rochester recognized the outstanding contributions of two distinguished alumni of the Warner School of Education during Meliora Weekend 2022. Ellen Genrich Rusling ’66, ‘79W and Herb R. Miller ’62, ‘64W were honored with the James S. Armstrong Alumni Service Award for their outstanding philanthropy, personal achievements and service to the University.

Established in 1990, the award honors James S. Armstrong ’54, ’65 (MA), who served the University from 1976 to 1987 as director of alumni relations. Warner School Dean Sarah Peyre presented the awards to Rusling and Miller at a special Warner alumni award celebration on Sunday, October 2, in the Bausch and Lomb Parlor at the Memorial Art Gallery. Both Rusling and Miller have a longstanding history with the Warner School. Raffaella Borasi, who served as Warner School dean for 17 years, shared her memories and gratitude for their tireless support at the ceremony.
Rusling has been actively engaged at Warner as a member of its Trustee Visiting Committee from 1990-95, its Dean’s Advisory Committee for over 15 years, and its recently formed Advocacy Council for Learning in the Digital Age (LiDA). She is currently an active member of the Warner School’s National Council.

After earning her bachelor's in 1966 and master’s in education in 1979 from the University of Rochester, Rusling received her doctorate in psychology from Syracuse University. She retired as a school psychologist/family therapist from Monroe One BOCES in 1999. Following her retirement, she became ordained in Fellowships of Spirit. Today, she is actively involved in Life Discernment Consulting, concentrating on the integration of mind, body and spirit within a person’s cultural experience. Rusling and her husband, Tom, reside in both Pittsford, N.Y. and Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She also helps to oversee a local hotel on the Christiansted Harbor of Saint Croix.

For over three decades, Rusling has generously funded scholarships for Warner students and supported key programs at the school, including Horizons and the Center for Urban Education Success. She was among the first volunteers to make a leadership gift to The Meliora Challenge campaign, which helped fund the construction of LeChase Hall.
 
Miller has also been actively engaged at Warner as a member of its Trustee Visiting Committee from 1990-95, its Dean’s Advisory Committee for over 15 years, and its recently formed Advocacy Council for LiDA. Additionally, he is currently an active member of the Warner School’s National Council.

He earned his bachelor’s in 1962 and master’s in mathematics education in 1964 from the University of Rochester before pursuing his doctorate from Syracuse University. He taught graduate courses at the University of Sothern California for 10 years and served as chair of the Department of Instructional Technology. Currently retired, Miller was an education and training consultant for over 30 years to companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Kodak and Xerox. Throughout his career, Miller has received honors from the International Society of Performance and Instruction and other groups. Miller, who resides in Glendale, Calif. and Paris, France, is an avid photographer and has exhibited internationally.

For over three decades, he has generously funded scholarships for students, provided support for the LiDA Center and contributed to capital projects at LeChase Hall. His leadership giving also helped launch the “Future Faculty” series, which has become a signature program at the University.

View photos from the Warner School alumni award ceremony.