About the Honoree
Fred Miller, a career YMCA professional, served as General Secretary of the University YMCA at the University of Illinois from 1958-1967. Under his leadership hundreds of staff, faculty and students gained a special appreciation for the importance of volunteer service, to the University YMCA and to the community. As a result of their experiences many have made life-long commitments to their communities and society.
About the Award
Given for distinguished volunteer service by a staff or faculty member of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or a member of the Religious Workers Association of Urbana-Champaign. The Miller Award will be given to an individual who has made significant contributions as a volunteer during his or her life in the local community. The award recognizes direct public service to the campus or local community and efforts of organizing and delivering community service. The award honors volunteer participation which, in the judgment of the Board of Governors of the University YMCA, reflects an expression of moral understanding and civic responsibility and stands as a model of such service to students and others in this community.
Support this Award FundHelen Zhang, 2025 Recipient
As a passionate and determined leader, Helen Zhang has been a strong advocate for expanding opportunities, particularly for women and immigrant communities. Helen is a Senior Director of Strategic Business at the University of Illinois, as well as an Adjunct Instructor of Accountancy at the Gies College of Business.
In early 2024, she became President of the Chinese American Association of Central Illinois. Helen’s leadership has transformed the organization. Membership of the Association has increased by nearly 200%. The Chinese American Association has expanded to serve over 3,000 local Chinese residents and over 6,000 Chinese international students. Over 20 events were organized within a year, many in collaboration with local agencies, including a forum with both mayors and the police department, the International Youth Art Competition, Dragon Boat Festival, Asian Businesses showcase at the Urbana Farmers market, Mid-autumn Festival Celebration, Chinese Minority Culture Learning workshop, Chinese antique shows and personal growth sessions. In particular, she worked with the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and the Chinese Students & Scholars Association on the 2025 Lunar New Year Festival Gala - FusionFest, which attracted about 1,100 attendees. This has become a signature event promoting Asian culture in the community.
Helen’s leadership has elevated the Chinese American voice, with her initiatives impacting thousands of people in our community. Her commitment to continuous improvement and community service is inspiring. Advocating for inclusiveness and Asian voices, Helen has worked to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.
Past Award Recipients
2025: Helen Zhang
2024: Valeri Nesbitt-Howard
2023: Mariana Ortega
2022: Matt Wallig
2021: Ken Salo
2020: Korinta Maldonado
2019: DoMonique Arnold
2018: Sam Smith
2017: Ann-Perry Witmer
2016: Ann Abbott
2015: Stacy Harwood
2014: Ross Wantland
2013: Rebecca Ginsburg
2012: Brian Deal
2011: Amy Sponsler
2010: Bruce Litchfield
2009: James Treat
2008: Anton G. Endress
2007: Carlton Mills
2006: Dan Larson & Greg Goodale
2005: Stephen Hartnett
2004: Belden Fields
2003: Rev. Karen Bush
2002: Robert McKim
2001: Reverend Hallett
2000: Jim Holiman
1999: Claire Szoke
1998: Robert Silverman
1997: Shirley Stillinger
1996: Rev. Jack Reiffer
1995: Ken Reardon
1994: Patricia Morey
1993: Esther Patt
1992: Imani Bazzell
1991: Steve Shoemaker
1990: Bruce Larson
1989: Carol Livingston
1988: Robert Bohl