It is not uncommon to meet people in college that you become close with for life. In some cases, that person might end up becoming a bridesmaid, best man, or, in Josh and Angela Miller’s case, even your spouse. The two met through mutual friends while attending Western State College in the late 90s. Josh (History ’00) came to Western to pursue college football and a history degree, while Angela
(Business ’03), a Gunnison local,
came back to her hometown to earn a business degree.
After graduating, Josh worked as a manager at Sherwin-Williams for 17 years, and Angela worked for the Gunnison County Treasurer’s office for 16 years. After almost two decades in the corporate world, Josh transitioned into a new role at his alma mater, working as a groundskeeper for the facilities department. “After 17 years, I needed a change,” Josh said. “I took some time off, I spent some time with my boys, and by chance got on with Western.” A few years later, Angela wanted a change as well and was hired as the administrative assistant in the same department where her husband works. “I enjoy the people I work with,” Angela said. “I like how [work] is different every single day, and there is always a new challenge for me.”
Western’s facilities department, which includes about 50 employees, encompasses custodial, grounds, trades, fleet, and sustainability services. Building cleanliness, campus safety and aesthetics, maintenance of water, sewer, and electrical lines, vehicle repair and rentals, and the task of recycling across campus all fall under this one department. “I believe these people are the hardest working and the most talented people around here,” Angela said. “If it were not for our department, the University would fall apart.”
Angela’s position includes accounting, logistical communication with other departments throughout campus, graduation coordination, work order organization, and distribution, among countless other “behind the scenes” tasks that are critical to making campus run as smoothly as it does. Josh’s position includes mowing grass in the summer, plowing snow in the winter, and a bit of everything else in between, from painting and maintaining athletic fields, office furniture moves, graduation set up, “W” Mountain upkeep, and tree trimming. Both Josh and Angela perform essential services for Western, and as alumni, they have a
unique perspective.
While in school, Josh was a three-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) champion in football, where he played linebacker, defensive end, and long snapper. “I met a lot of incredible people: coaches, athletes, lifelong friends,” Josh said. Not to say he did not have to work hard in the classroom and on the field. “Every day was a challenge,” he said. “Every day. Every practice. But I stuck it out, and the rewards were far better.” Now, Josh paints football fields in the summer and fall for camps and practices as the squad prepares for their season.
Although Western has changed a lot since Josh and Angela were in school, one thing remains constant: the rich traditions Western has are some of the Millers’ fondest memories. “The lighting of the “W” was huge, homecoming in general, especially when Josh was playing football,” Angela said. “We used to have a big bonfire too, which was a lot of fun.”
This summer, their two sons worked as student employees with the grounds department, helping mow the grass on campus, perform work orders, and gain real-world work experience. “It is a lot of fun to see them grow,” Josh said. “They learned a lot of new things.” Angela also enjoyed seeing her boys grow throughout the summer and watching them learn the importance of doing a good job. “You have to work to get what you want,”
Angela said. “It is a hard job to do, very physical. It taught them that they just cannot sit around and do nothing.”
When the Millers are not working, you can find them hunting or fishing in the hills, running between both of their sons’ many sporting events, hanging out with their two labs, or cheering on the Mountaineers.
Author: Seth Mensing
Images: Olivia Riendhardt
