University Times

Peter W. Miller, a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, died July 24, 2009, of cardiac arrest. He was 48.

An Air Force veteran, Miller earned his undergraduate degree in computer engineering summa cum laude in 1999 and master’s degree in electrical engineering in 2001 at Pitt.

He joined the engineering faculty in 2001 and taught a variety of computer and electrical engineering courses. Miller was teaching a computer organization course during the summer term and was scheduled to teach three courses during the fall term.

Popular with students, he was named to the engineering school’s 2004 faculty honor roll.

Miller was known in the department as a fast-moving, type-A personality who kept busy, yet was not impatient with people.

Generous with his co-workers, in summers he often shared the bounty of his garden, setting out baskets of tomatoes and other produce in the lunch area for the taking.

“He was very gregarious, extremely friendly, outgoing and talkative. He would try to get to know people,” said department chair William Stanchina.

“Students in particular were impressed by how much he went out of his way to get to know them,” Stanchina said, adding that they often expressed surprise that Miller knew them by name.

Freshman engineering program director Dan Budny worked closely with Miller, meeting weekly together to discuss the classes Miller was teaching.

“He was a joy to work with,” Budny said, adding that Miller could be counted on to cover other instructors’ classes when needed. “He was willing to do whatever it would take.”

Budny said that Miller loved to be in the classroom and students responded to his interest. “He had the unique ability to communicate with an 18 year old,” commanding respect while being friendly at the same time, Budny said.

“He was knowledgeable in the areas he was teaching and kind and gentle in the way he would present the material. He was approachable and would answer questions. The kids would always be surrounding him,” Budny said. “He did everything a teacher was supposed to do.

“He had a personality that allowed people to get close. That’s very important at the undergraduate level, especially the freshman-sophomore level.”

As fall classes begin, Miller’s loss is tangible. “It just doesn’t seem the same without Pete here,” Budny said, adding that it will take three people this fall to cover the courses Miller planned to teach.

“You could find someone else to do the job, but never find someone to replace him,” Budny said. “He’ll be missed. He won’t be forgotten.”

Miller is survived by his wife, Sue Miller; his mother, Fran Miller; three siblings, and four stepchildren. The family requests memorial donations be made to Light of Life Mission, PO Box 535915, Pittsburgh 15253.

—Kimberly K. Barlow