Dale Miller, a distinguished Purdue University Professor Emeritus, passed away on Wednesday March 27th, 2024. It was a year ago to the day that his wife Vergene had a fall that ended her life a week earlier. 

Born On October 11, 1936 in Tracy MN, to Erwin and Clara Miller, he led a remarkable life filled with passion for theater, academia, and community service. 

After graduatin8g from Tracy Highschool in 1954, Dale pursued his love for theater, earning a degree in Theater from Augustana College in Soiux Falls in 1958. During his college years, he embarked on a exciting journey, performing in summer theaters, including the Rockerville Mellerdrammer in the Black Hills. He furthered his academic pursuits at North Dakota State, all the while honing his craft on stage. In 1971, he received a PH. D in Theater from Northwestern University. 

In September 1960, Dale married Vergene N Carlson, and together they embarked on a journey marked by adventure and dedication to the arts. Through 63 years of marriage, they supported each other in their incredible careers. Dale was never a man to resent Vergene's work. He supported her and was very proud of her. They both worked in St. Paul MN and later moved to HUron SD where their children Mike and Meg were born. Dale and Vergene then moved to Colombia MO, where Dale was a professor at Stephens College. Dale shared his passion for theater, teaching, and directing at various institutions, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike. 

In 1976, Dale's career led him to Purdue University, where he served as Director of Theater, leaving an indelible mark on the department until his retirement in 2004. During his tenure, he elevated the guest-artist program, pioneered the graduate program in Stage Management, and founded Theater Guild, enriching the cultural fabric of Purdue and beyond. In 2011, he received the "Legacy Award" from Purdue Theater. 

Dale's contributions extended far beyond academia; he was dedicated to the service of his community. He drove patients to their doctors appointments for years as a Red Cross driver. He often donated fresh home grown veggies to Food Finders. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Tippecanoe Arts Federation and the Tippacanoe County Historical Association, leaving a lasting impact on the arts and heritage landscape. He was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash for his efforts.

Over the years, Dale worked with many theater professionals, and had the privilege of performing at venues such as the St. Louis Municipal Opera, Pheasant Theater in Chicago, Indiana Repertory Theater in Indianapolis, and many more. Throughout his career, he collaborated with esteemed figures in the American theater, including Florence Henderson, Ethel Merman, and Dennis Franz, among others. 

He performed in dozens of television commercials, made industrial films, appeared in brochures and ads as a print model. He belonged to Actors' Equity Association, The Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He was connected with over 400 theatrical productions either as an actor, a director, or both. 

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dale was a loving family man, enjoying his time spent with his son Michael, loving daughter Meg, and their families. After his first granddaughter was born, there was now something that interested him MORE than Purdue sports and the Chicago Cubs. He always loved hearing what his three wonderful granddaughters Adriana, Lindsey, and Kira were doing and supported them in any way he could. In his words "The greatest joy of my old age" was his great granddaughter Evelyn. He loved seeing her amazing sports pictures of soccer and baseball so much. 

Dale will be missed by his students, friends, and family. May he rest in peace. 

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