03 Dec 2022

AHRA Honors Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»­Ó³Av Alumnus Melvin Miller in Alexandria, VA

On November 17, 2022, the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority (ARHA) renamed its Wythe Street headquarters building in honor of Saint Augustine’s University (Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»­Ó³Av) alumnus A. Melvin Miller. The ceremony also unveiled a bust of Miller, the late community leader, Civil Rights activist, and affordable housing advocate.

“Is there such a thing as a diminutive giant?†said former D.C. Deputy Mayor Merrick Malone, a member of the ARHA board of commissioners, “That’s who Mel was. He touched so many lives and was a fierce advocate for the underserved. Our city is a much better place because of Melvin Miller.â€

Mr. Miller received his A.B. degree in history and political science in 1952 from Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»­Ó³Av. He was appointed the university’s first interim president from March 1999 until November 1999. In addition, Mr. Miller served nearly 35 years on the Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»­Ó³Av Board of Trustees before his death in 2015, also serving as chairman of the Board from 2007 to 2008.

“The impact of Mr. Miller’s leadership demonstrates a lifetime of excellence at every level,†said Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»­Ó³Av President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “His service to Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»­Ó³Av and his community reflects our university’s rich history and contributions to our nation’s progress in civil rights and advocacy in social justice.â€

Celebrity, corporate and professional NFL photographer and owner of Griffin Vision Media Elijah Griffin provided photography at the ceremony. Griffin, who attended Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»­Ó³Av from 2000 to 2004, is a native of Alexandria and was recruited to enroll at the university by Mr. Miller.

to read more about the AHRA ceremony.