Miller, McNeill and Ruane Inducted into the University of the Sciences Athletic Hall of Fame

The University of the Sciences Athletics Hall of Fame welcomed its three newest members, the husband-wife duo of Joseph Miller P’96 (Men’s Basketball 1991-95) and Jodi McNeill-Miller  P'96, PharmD, ’97 (Women's Basketball 1991-95) and Dr. Joseph Ruane HonAlm ’11 (Faculty Athletic Representative, 1999- 2011)  in a halftime ceremony at  between the women’s and men’s basketball games versus Post University on Saturday, December 10.

Miller joined the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science men’s basketball program and immediately made an impact with his outside shooting ability, making 52 three-pointers as a freshman.  He was part of a Blue Devils team that went 26-7 that year and made it to the NAIA National Tournament in Stephenville, Texas. By the time Miller hung up his sneakers as a member of the Blue Devils, he had scored 1,773 points and had made a then-school record 253 three-point field goals.  His 1,773 points are the fifth highest total in school history.  As a senior, Miller broke the single game record for three-point field goals with nine against Holy Family and set the school’s single season record with 97.   

“Joe was one of the finest three-point shooters this institution has ever seen,” said Athletic Director and Hall of Fame Chairman Paul Klimitas. “His performance led Coach [Bobby] Morgan’s teams to a phenomenal 93-30 win-loss record.”

A four-year starter on the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science’s men’s basketball team from 1991 to 1995, Miller was a two-time NAIA all-Region selection and an honorable mention All-American in 1995.   The Blue Devils recorded a 93-30 record during Miller’s four year’s equaling the best four-year win total for a single class year.  Statistically, he is still ranked amongst the school’s top 15 all-time in 11 different offensive categories.   Miller was named to the University’s All-Millennium Team in 2008 as one of the top 25 male basketball players in the 100 year history of the program.     

A three-year starter during her time at PCPS, McNeill-Miller was the fourth women’s basketball player in school history to score 1,000 points for their career and currently ranks 13th on the Devils all-time list with 1,109. Jodi is one of just 13 women’s basketball players in school history to average 10 or more points per game throughout their career. A playmaker as well as a scorer, McNeil-Miller also had the fourth highest assist total in school history when she finished her career.  She was also fortunate to play alongside two other career 1,000-point scorers throughout her four years in a Blue Devil uniform.  McNeill-Miller is still listed in the top 20 all-time career records in nearly every offensive statistical category.  The Blue Devils won 66 games over McNeil-Miller’s four year career and reached the playoffs in all-four seasons.

“I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would be in the athletic hall of fame,” said McNeill-Miller.  “It’s special because we have four children and for them to see if you work hard at something, good things come from it.”

McNeill-Miller was one of the institution’s most prolific free throw shooters during her career. As a sophomore during the 1992-93 season, she became the first women’s basketball player to make 80% of her free throws in a season (73-91, 80.2%), a feat matched by only eight other players  since she last put on a PCPS uniform in 1995.  McNeil-Miller finished her career as the Blue Devils best free throw shooter in school history, making 77.4% of her free throws.  Sixteen years later, this mark is still the sixth highest percentage in the 25-year history of the program.

“She is the consummate team player,” said Klimitas. “But probably the finest achievement that Jodi had was that in all four years that she played, her teams made the playoffs.

“[The Hall of Fame induction] means even more because we were both put in together,” said Miller who met his wife at USciences and have been together ever since. “But it’s really special for our kids and our families to see that. We are very appreciative of that.”

The University’s first Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), Dr. Ruane recently stepped down after serving in that role since 1999. He was appointed directly by former president Dr. Philip P. Gerbino and would also be the CACC Conference FAR chair for four years (2005-08 and 2010). In the course of his tenure, the University successfully transitioned to NCAA Division II.

“Joe has traveled over 25,000 miles representing the institution at conventions and seminars and has represented us in a most professional manner,” Klimitas said  “Joe, we have never looked at you as outside the department, but today, you are one of us.”

Off the court, Joe has made a lasting impression at the University over the past 40 years, through founding the Department of Social Science, the minors program, over 30 courses, and the psychology major. Joe also serves on the USciences institutional review board. Although he is a professor of sociology and health, he has exemplified great commitment to the students which includes helping to start the Black Student Union, and later the Association of Latin American Students. For all of his contributions, Joe was presented with the Honorary Alumnus Award at University of the Sciences’ annual alumni reunion on Sept. 24, 2011. The award is bestowed annually to a non-alumnus who has shown exemplary dedication and commitment to the mission of the University.

“It’s very strange to be among those athletes. It’s quite an honor to be among that group,” said Ruane, who will be retiring from the University at the end of the academic year. “There’s many in the hall of fame from 1980 on who I know and it’s good company in many ways.”

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