Service, a life outside the comfort zone
Meet Spencer Miller, Department of Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Graduate for Service
Spencer Miller flies his grandfather's plane. Miller said his grandfather taught him to love all things mechanical.
“Engineering is a way of contributing to something greater than yourself,” said Spencer Miller, mechanical engineering Outstanding Graduate for Service. Miller was nominated by faculty members to receive this award based on his devotion to service.
During his time at CU Boulder, Miller built community as American Society of Mechanical Engineers president, tutored underrepresented students at Boulder High School, advocated for diversity as part of The BOLD Center, rode bikes for Boulder Food Rescue to help people reduce waste and have food to eat and volunteered for Community Food Share and Better Boulder Day of Service.
Spencer Miller tables in the College of Engineering and Applied Science lobby with American Society of Mechanical Engineers officers.
Beyond these things, Miller said some of his most impactful service experiences grew out of smaller moments, like the time he decided to “hang out” with a man who was homeless.
Miller was born in Baltimore, Maryland, grew up in northern Virginia and went to high school in Colorado. When it came time for him to consider college, he clung to his interest in cars.
“My grandpa has been a huge role model to me,” Miller said. “Not only did he share his love for cars, but he was also a special education teacher who taught me how to be kind to others.”
Miller’s mother was also a special education teacher who he said enlightened him to the value of service.
Spencer Miller and his older sister, Madison at Stonehenge. Miller says Madison was the first to teach him to step outside of his comfort zone.
When he arrived at CU Boulder, Miller wanted to continue serving his peers like he had in high school on student council. He joined the CU Boulder chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineers where he held many roles including president. There, he and other officers reached out to students looking for a place to connect and grow. Through fun events, resources and opportunities to network, they brought together students, faculty, staff and alumni of all different backgrounds.
“What I enjoyed most about ASME were the close friends and genuine connections,” Miller said. “The ASME vision is very much a shared vision.”
Miller also tutored students in math and science through the Advancement Via Individual Determination program at Boulder High School, an additional class for underrepresented students that helps them foster good study habits.
“We encourage the kids and show them they are capable,” Miller said.
Miller said his advice to current students is to put yourself out there, meet strangers and to be willing to ask questions. One way he did this, in addition to studying abroad in Australia and fostering relationships with the department, was pursuing two independent studies. His first independent study allowed him to completely rebuild a VW engine, and his second allowed him to .
“Our first feature-length film explores the idea that perhaps the only life worth living is the one you live outside of your comfort zone,” Miller said. “Exposing the world’s problems through film and storytelling creates the potential to make an even bigger impact.”
Miller has many dreams for the future including working for a small company, going into business with his brother and becoming a teacher. Regardless of where he lands, Miller says he looks forward to the ways he’ll continue contributing to future generations.