This spring, the College of Business Administration named graduate student Nathan Miller the 2009-2010 William G. McGowan Scholar. This award provides an $18,000 scholarship and is designed to encourage leadership and recognizes students who show academic excellence and exemplary qualities of character, including intellectual curiosity, a spirit of innovation, and entrepreneurial potential.

Miller, who received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in financial planning, was humbled by the offering.

“I feel incredibly honored that the faculty believe in me and have given me this opportunity to represent the University and the College,” he said. “Receiving this scholarship validates my reason for being here.”

And what are his reasons for being here, both at LMU and in Los Angeles? That’s a story which goes back to growing up in Indiana. Miller was raised in a strong Catholic home which encouraged him to look out for others and always lend a helping hand. It was such a strong part of his identity that following graduation, Miller found himself in northern Italy for three years working for the Focolare Family Movement — an International organization that promotes the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood.

Working in hospitality and organizing events and tours, making reservations, and arranging arrivals and departures logistics for groups up to 10,000 people taught Miller to step outside of his comfort zone.

“My experience in Italy really helped me appreciate other cultures and ideas,” he said. “The number one law in the town where I lived (Loppiano) was to love your neighbor. That law allowed for a feeling of openness and I was able to be with people from around the world, to share our religious beliefs, and to discuss and learn about diversity in a safe environment.”

Once he decided to return to the States, Miller knew he was no longer interested in the financial services sector but instead chose to pursue a convergence between Human Resources and IT at the CBA. Miller also knew that he wanted to continue his involvement with the Focolare and be part of his community. Currently Miller works with 8 to 13 year-olds building confidence, teaching morals and ethics, recognizing growth opportunities, and empowering them with leadership skills.

“Kids today have different challenges than I did but the same basic questions and needs. By asking them questions like ‘Who is God?’, ‘How want to live your life?’ and ‘What truly makes you happy?’, I can help them discover their own answers,” he said.

When he’s not in class or working with the Focolare, Miller can be found in the MBA office doing what he does best: devoting his time as an ambassador of sorts to prospective students. When he reflects on his job, religion, community involvement and past work experience, he sees a connection: service. A day doesn’t go by without Miller aiding someone in some type of process; it’s his greatest motivator in life.

“It’s hard to explain what’s inside your heart but when you give or volunteer, you receive intrinsic happiness and confidence,” Miller said. “If you want to change the world you can study but what you actually do is what really makes a difference.”