Celebrating access and advocacy at the Miller Center’s end-of-year celebration
The Miller Center for Student Disability Services recently hosted its second annual end-of-year celebration, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to recognize the contributions that make Miami University more inclusive. The event honored graduating students with disabilities, celebrated campus partners, and underscored the shared responsibility of creating accessible environments.
Celebrating access and advocacy at the Miller Center’s end-of-year celebration
The Miller Center for Student Disability Services recently hosted its ts second annual end-of-year celebration to honor the contributions and achievements that make Miami University a more inclusive place. The event recognized graduating students with disabilities, celebrated campus partners, and underscored the importance of access as a shared responsibility.
A central highlight of the evening was the presentation of three awards.
Outstanding partners in access award: Campus Services Center
This award recognizes a department that exemplifies collaborative spirit, compassion, and a deep commitment to removing barriers. Their team’s partnership with the Miller Center has made a measurable difference in the experiences of disabled students at Miami, particularly in their work to ensure an accessible campus housing experience.
Outstanding disability advocate award for faculty: Jill Russell, Ph.D., associate teaching professor in the department of biology
Known for her thoughtful and student-focused approach, Russell consistently ensures her classroom is accessible, reaching out to the Miller Center before challenges arise and adjusting expectations with care and creativity. Russell works to make sure every student feels heard. She consistently creates environments where students with disabilities can thrive. “I am just so honored to even be nominated for this award," said Russell. "Receiving this award is the most important accolade I have received here at Miami."
Outstanding disability advocate award for staff: ElizaMarie Quinn-Alger, accessible technology coordinator in the AccessMU Center
Quinn-Alger was recognized for her warmth, persistence, and sincere dedication to making technology and support accessible to all. As one nominator shared, “She doesn’t just care—she truly cares, and it makes all the difference.”
"This work matters and our campus is better when we do it together.”
Graduating senior Melissa Melone served as the evening’s student speaker, reflecting on her growth as a self-advocate and the impact of accommodations in her academic journey. “Accommodations aren’t about getting special treatment,” she shared. “They’re about creating equitable opportunities.” Melone also spoke about learning to see disability not as a deficit, but as a part of human diversity shaped by our environment.
“This event is a celebration of not only our students’ academic success, but also the strength it takes to navigate a world that isn’t always built with disabled people in mind," said Dan Darkow, director of the Miller Center. "The energy in the room reminded us that this work matters and that our campus is better when we do it together.”
This year, the Miller Center served nearly 17% of the Oxford campus, with 3,158 affiliated students, 1,331 applications, 2,530 appointments, 2,396 classes with accommodations, and 16,671 total accommodation requests.
