The George Miller Scholarship Program -- Albuquerque Chapter, NPSNM
The Albuquerque Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Mexico has established a scholarship fund as a memorial to our late friend, colleague and past president, George Oxford Miller (1943 - 2024). This fund will award grants to individuals who lead or participate in an educational project related to Southwest ecosystems, New Mexico wildflowers, or native plant gardening - interests which reflect the life work of George Miller as an author, photographer, and website developer.
The purpose of the Scholarship is to provide encouragement and support to persons (students, teachers, and others) with an interest in New Mexico's natural environment for conducting or participating in further experiences and studies, with a primary aim of increasing community awareness or educating others about ecology-related topics.
The primary target audience for the scholarship grants are teachers and leaders in non-profit organizations and pueblos, as well as high school and college students. Some examples of the types of projects that will be supported include: making posters or informational displays; outdoor camp activities or internships; participating in Master Naturalist programs; planting and tending plots of native plants; production of curricular or written materials, photography, online tools, or film/videos; preparing collection kits and study resources; conducting educational excursions or engaging in extra-curricular educational activities; or other plant-related projects, including artistic expressions.
Candidates will be asked to submit an application form [and/or letter of interest], describing their project need, and past or present experience(s) demonstrating interest in and commitment to plant ecology or conservation. These will be evaluated and scholarships awarded by a committee of Albuquerque chapter members (initially: Carol Conoboy, Sara Keeney, Judith Phillips and Lee Regan)
Start-up money for this fund began with sales of books donated by George, including books he authored and others in his lifelong collection.
The Albuquerque Chapter will allocate money from its funds to strengthen the scholarship fund, and this will be supplemented by donations through outreach to NPSNM members, friends, and community members. Donations (with a notation for the purpose of the George Miller Scholarship) may be sent to: Native Plant Society of New Mexico; Attn: Albuquerque Chapter; P.O. Box 35388; Albuquerque, NM 87176.