Terrence “Terry” Milani, a long-time associate director of student life and director of student volunteer outreach, died Dec. 7, 2020, at 75.
“In 2016, The Pitt News called Dr. Terry Milani a ‘Pitt stalwart,’” says Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner. “Our students got it right. Dr. Milani, Terry or Big T, as he was affectionately called, invested so much of himself into the University of Pittsburgh, and more specifically, Student Affairs. For those of us who knew and worked with Terry over the years, we respected his contributions to Student Affairs as well as his immense knowledge and wisdom. We appreciated his sense of humor and candor, and we got to know the teddy bear beneath his brawny veneer. Terry deeply cared about our students and made a profound difference in many of their lives. For that, we are forever grateful.”
Milani earned his Ph.D. in higher education from Pitt and had a 44-year career here. He played an important role in shaping the Student Government Board structure, the University Student Organization Certification Program, the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the Emerging Leaders and Student Development Transcript programs, the Commuter Resource Center and the Pitt Program Council.
In 2012, he was recognized by then-Chancellor Mark Nordenberg for his 40 years of commitment to the University.
In 1965, Milani was selected as a first baseman in the second round (40th overall) of the Amateur Entry Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He coached many children, including his own, in several different sports through the years.
He was the husband of Peggy Walker for 41 years and father of Meg, Bill and Mark (Kathy); grandfather of Josh and Maya; and brother of Kenneth and the late Glenn.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or Pet Search.
— Marty Levine