Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees heard a presentation, “Webb Miller IS THERE,” by two SMC authors, accepted gifts and grants, authorized competitive bidding for exterior improvements to the center of the Dowagiac campus, recognized employees for service ranging from five to 30 years, approved four new degree programs and one certificate program and conducted other business during a regularly scheduled meeting Feb. 14 on the Dowagiac campus.

Miller, acclaimed journalist from the Sumnerville/Pokagon area and Dowagiac High School graduate, is featured in the January/February edition of “Michigan History” magazine.

Steve Arseneau, director of the Museum at Southwestern Michigan College, and Dr. Scott Topping, dean of academic studies at the college, presented their article to the board that highlights the local resident who had a “front row seat” to most of the world’s major events.

After leaving Dowagiac for a journalist post in Chicago, Miller went on to become the premier war correspondent for United Press, covering the Pancho Villa insurrection at the Mexico border, World War I, Gandhi’s push for Indian independence, the Spanish Civil War, the Italian invasion of Ethiopia and the opening salvos of World War II.

He also covered non-military events, such as royal weddings, Olympics Games and treaty negotiations.

“His story is an amazing one, which he detailed in his 1936 autobiography, ‘I Found No Peace,’” Arseneau said.

The Museum at SMC acquired a significant collection from the family of Webb Miller in 2007, which led to increased research by Arseneau and Topping.

The museum highlights Miller’s story in its exhibit “Small Town, Big World: Locals Who Made History.”

The exhibit includes press passes, photographs, letters and personal artifacts that clearly show how extensive Miller’s experiences were.

“Dr. Topping has long been intrigued by Miller’s story and the collection housed at the museum led us to dig deeper into his amazing journey as he covered major event after major event,” Arseneau said.

“The article is our way of making Miller’s story known throughout the state of Michigan and we are pleased that Michigan History chose it for publication.”

Dr. Fred L. Mathews, chairman of the board of Southwestern Michigan College, said, “We are all very proud of the work done by Dr. Topping and Mr. Arseneau to educate the current generation about this extraordinary connection between the college district and the world.”

In other business, trustees authorized the release of bid specifications for exterior improvements to the center of the college’s Dowagiac campus.

Contractors interested in the project may contact the SMC’s architects for this project, Arkos Design of Niles, for details.

Bids will be opened at the March 14 board meeting.