News Miller ’73 to Name Hartwick College Residence Hall In Memory of Wife, Judith Day

Hartwick College announced today Trustee Raymond “Larry” Miller ’73 has donated nearly $2 million toward renaming the College’s living-learning apartment community in memory of his wife, Dr. Judith Day. The “Judith Day Apartments” will be officially named at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will take place during True Blue Weekend in September, on the occasion of Miller’s Golden Jubilee (50th Class Reunion).

“Time and again, Larry Miller has shown steadfast dedication to his alma mater,” said President Darren Reisberg. “Whether through board service, cheering on our athletic teams, or making remarkably generous gifts to support the College’s mission, Larry’s commitment to Hartwick is nearly unrivaled in our 225-year history. His desire to have the College name its newest residence hall in honor of his beloved wife, Judith, will provide a symbol for the Hartwick community that affirms his spirit, leadership, and devotion to the College.”

Later this year, Miller’s generous support of his alma mater will again manifest when the College installs a new electronic scoreboard at Wright Stadium.

A woman of many passions

Born in Salem, MA, Judy moved to New Hampshire when her father’s job with Bell Telephone relocated. Judy attended the University of New Hampshire (UNH), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English. She received her master’s degree in special education from the University of Southern Maine and she worked in several elementary schools. Judy received her Ph.D. in reading from UNH in 1994.

Judy was multifaceted, holding interests in politics, real estate, investing, land conservation, and animals. She was also an author, penning a children’s book entitled The Good Wizard’s Castle. Day was also a dedicated civic volunteer in her adopted hometown of North Hampton, NH, having moved there with Larry in 1990. She served her town on its planning board, municipal building committees, and as a library trustee; for the latter, she and Larry acted as “official caretakers” of the library garden for many years.

Judy was perhaps best known for being elected to two terms in the New Hampshire state legislature (largest in the US), during which she served on its education committee. Ever an ardent political operative and campaigner, she was on a first name basis with the governor and two US Senators.

In February, acting on behalf of the Town of North Hampton, the Select Board dedicated its 2022 Annual Report in her honor and to her legacy.

“Judy and I had a wonderful life together,” Miller said. “I am not ashamed to say I had the good fortune of ‘marrying up.’ It took persistence getting past her many nos before she said yes. Judy was a doer; diving into any endeavor with both feet. She believed education to be the only sure pathway to a better world and the only prevention or cure for ignorance and fear. For Judy, politics was another aspect of education. She believed and championed that if anyone’s rights are denied, everyone’s rights are denied. I could not have had a more loving, funny, and purposeful life partner. I am truly grateful.”

A resident of North Hampton, NH, Miller is the former chief executive officer of Northern Composites, a composite, metal bonding and tooling firm serving companies from aerospace equipment to hockey sticks, based in Hampton, NH. He started at the firm in 1980 as a technical sales representative, and was promoted up through the ranks to vice president, president, co-president, and eventually CEO.

Miller has also served his town as an elected budget committee member and as a member of the Select Board for 16 years.

The Judith Day Apartments opened in August 2017, the first residence hall built on campus since Hilltop and Oyaron Houses opened in 1995, and is the first new standalone building since Golisano Hall opened in 2008. The $7.1 million living-learning apartment community houses up to 72 upper-class students. Located between Johnstone Science Center and Oyaron and Hilltop residence halls, the 31,000-square-foot facility features two- and four-bedroom apartments, gathering and programming spaces, and teaching and study rooms.

As noted at its unveiling, the building’s design intentionally links to elements that can be found across the campus. The exterior stairs bring to mind the Memorial Staircase near Dewar Hall, the porch columns reflect those of Bresee Hall, and the brick-and-white exterior honors Clark and Bresee Halls.

Upon its opening, the space finalized the College’s progressive housing model. First-year students would live on campus in traditional double rooms or suites, providing lifelong learning experiences with a roommate. Up to 150 juniors and seniors, meanwhile, were afforded additional opportunities to enjoy independence while remaining on campus by choosing between a townhouse option or the new Judith Day Apartments with in-demand amenities.