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Taylor Scott ’08

If not for Phil taking the time out of his day to put genuine thought into me, my situation, and the intentionality in his notes to me, I may not have had the courage to continue reaching out to other Cornell Hotel School Alumni who came before me and who have been successful in their lives and careers.

Alyce Geanopulos

Phil is different, He understands the world in such a unique way. I could easily see that this gentleman, this "anthropo", a true human as we Greeks call him.

Susan Fleming ’08

I immediately identified Phil as a "big personality" who was infused with warmth, generosity, and the best laugh ever .

Rick & Mary Adie ’75

To see Phil “in action” was to witness a master who knew the value of making others feel important and respected.

Susan Guerin ’83

Phil sat next to me in one of my first classes. He would share the school notices with me and made me feel like part of the school. Even at 19, he was gracious, warm and was there to make introductions.

Margaret Timmons ’03

Be kind, be genuine and be boisterous- thank you for all you taught me Phil- forever cheers!

Baron AhMoo ’93

Phil was always generous with his time and his network and I can only hope to pay it forward.

Stephen Anderson ’85

A day doesn’t go by that I don’t think of Phil and I often ask, “What would Phil do in this situation?” He was kind, caring and always had your best interest at heart.

Tyler Lavin ’10

You always knew you would be greeted with a smile and a warmth from Phil that made you feel worthwhile. I hope to pay it forward like Phil for the rest of my life and miss him.

Danny Sikka ’01

I always say I owe much of my professional success to The Hotel School, but a large part of that was starting off on the right foot on day one with Phil Miller.

David Weber

He was always busy, but always had time for Delta Chi in his plans.

Andrea Foster ’96

...we have each been forever changed for the better by his authentic friendship and engagement in our lives.

Chuck Geerhart ’81

Phil was perhaps the funniest guy I ever met.

Kevin Carey

Along with several of his classmates I was made to feel both welcome and appreciated (by Phil).

Ibrahim Desooky ’18

He encouraged me to boldly go and explore, transforming my education and allowing me to take the trip of a lifetime.

Deniz Omurgonulsen ’00

Although he made fun of my Turkish Coffee shots I knew he was one of my biggest fans and I was his.

William (Bill) Minnock III ’79

What I enjoyed the most was when Phil introduced me to some Hotelie – a student, a recent graduate or someone looking for a career change.

John Hansen ’83

I owe a lifelong affinity for single malt Scotch to an evening drink at Ruloffs with Phil.

Alexander Koch ’04

"Phil is the head of Alumni Affairs and Inflating Student Egos. He's exceptionally good at his job."

Tara Lobo ’15

He had eyes and ears all over the school and somehow had spotted me. I was flattered, and extremely lucky, for to be looked out for by Phil is a cherished privilege.

Gordon Moriarty

He taught me to have courage when meeting people for the first time, to trust myself, to take chances, and to venture out of my comfort zone. I will always be indebted to him for those lessons.

Gary Brown

Phil not only knew where everyone was but also shared a story about the grad. He had an amazing memory!

Kurt Johnson

I would have never met the team of survey researchers from AirBnB. Phil in his traditional fashion befriended them, and introduced them to our "gang."

Giuseppe Pezzotti ’83

Phil was a complete GENTLEMAN, he had class, sensitivity, compassion, demeanor, propriety, decorum.

Benoit Gateau-Cumin ’75

Did anyone ever see Phil without his incredible smile?

Richy Petrina ’01

Even the most mundane situation would quickly be filled with laughs and great story-telling (with Phil).

Olivia Forster

Phil connected me to music, to friendship, to Manset, to so much that truly makes up my personal identity.

Jonathon Spada ’10

His love for the School of Hotel Administration and the people that went there was unparalleled. He was the consummate Hotelie indeed.

Thomas Cleary ’89

My favorite line from PMIII was when he said "Cleary, you like to have people think you do not work that hard, but it is a like duck paddling! Massive activity behind the scenes. smooth on top. I call that studied nonchalance."

Courtney Bisbee

Phil was one of those warm personalities that made you feel as if you'd known him forever.

Russ Urban ’81

My close friend Phil Miller has always been instrumental in fueling my Hotelie fire.

Mel Richards ’67

A mutual friend and fellow Cornell Glee Club alumnus, Mike Newman, recruited Phil to crew for me Sunday afternoon in PHRF sailing races on Cayuga Lake. It was immediately obvious that he needed little training. Sailor was just one of many hats Phil wore well.

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