October 30, 2006
Astronomer Joseph Miller receives Berkeley
Medal and UC Citation of Excellence
By Tim Stephens
UC Berkeley has awarded its highest honor, the Berkeley Medal,
to Joseph Miller, professor of astronomy and astrophysics. Miller,
who served as director of UC Observatories/Lick Observatory
for 14 years before stepping down last year, also received the
UC Citation of Excellence. Both awards were presented at a dinner
in Miller's honor on October 20.
Joseph Miller received the UC
Berkeley Medal and the UC Citation of Excellence at a
dinner in his honor. In the background is Larry Coleman,
UC vice provost for research.
Photo: Barbara Hoversten
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George Breslauer, executive vice chancellor and provost at
UC Berkeley, presented Miller with the Berkeley Medal. It is
bestowed on "individuals of exceptionally distinguished
achievements whose work or contributions to society illustrate
the ideals of the University and contribute to its goals, and
whose careers have manifestly benefited the public well beyond
the demands of tradition, rank, or direct service to the University."
Previous recipients of this award include Herman Wouk, Francois
Mitterrand, Glenn Seaborg, Gordon Moore, and Bill Clinton.
UC vice provost for research Larry Coleman presented Miller
with the UC Citation of Excellence.
Miller served as director of UCO/Lick from 1991 to 2005. His
research interests include quasars and active galactic nuclei,
focusing on their relationships with the surrounding environment
and the nature of their host galaxies. He was elected to the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1994 and served as
chair of the AURA Coordinating Council of Observatory Research
Directors from 1997 to 1999.
Miller earned his B.A. in astronomy and physics from UCLA and
his M.S. and Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Wisconsin.
He joined the UCSC faculty in 1967.