Trueman Mills, Distinguished Service

            Trueman Mills (’55) has always been there when Clarion University or the Clarion community needed a helping hand. The Clarion University Alumni Association will recognize his efforts by presenting him with the Distinguished Service Award.

            “I have always tried to help,” said Mills. “It is obvious to me that Clarion University is the engine that drives the economy in Clarion County. Personally I have been in private business and I realize Clarion University’s impact to the community both educationally and economically.”

            Mills is a lifelong resident of Clarion, residing most of his life within two blocks of his current home. A graduate of nearby Clarion-Limestone High School, he came to Clarion University as a student in 1951.

            “Clarion was what I could afford and my interests lay in mathematics and science,” he explained about the decision to attend Clarion. He went on to earn his degree in mathematics and physical science. He discovered that the faculty members, particularly Dr. Donald Peirce and Dr. George Lewis, stirred his interests in his field of study.

            “Dr. Peirce knew more about any subject than anyone I’ve ever known,” evaluated Mills. “He was my hero in education. Dr. Lewis was the mathematics department when I was a student. The classes I took from him totaled 33 credits. He later became one of my customers and a good friend.”

            Mills also served twice as class president, including his senior year, played in the band conducted by Walter Hart, and was a member of Alpha Gamma Phi fraternity.

            Following his graduation Mills taught for two years at Redbank Valley High School before joining his father-in-law’s automobile business. Mills’ wife, Jean (Weaver ’59, ’74), is also a Clarion native. She received her degrees from Clarion in education and reading.

            Mills was involved with the automobile dealership for 24 years, eventually becoming the owner. He sold the business, Mills Olds-Pontiac, in 1981. He also worked for Source Inc., a wholesale distributor, and for 22 years as the head of his own business Trueman Mills Fundraising.

            Both Trueman and Jean Mills remained active with Clarion University. They worked with the Capital Campaign, sponsoring the refurbishing of an office in Founders Hall. They are also active supporters of Clarion University’s Theatre program.

Mills was active in organizing an alumni group for Alpha Gamma Phi Fraternity. In 2001, the Alpha Gamma Phi alumni brothers established a scholarship awarded to an incoming freshman student athlete, who has an SAT score of at least 900, ranked in the upper two-fifths of her/his graduating class, has financial need, and meets the eligibility requirements of the NCAA.

            “When people ask me how to calculate how much they should give to Clarion University, I tell them to figure out how much it cost to go to Clarion in their own time period, subtract it from the current cost and give accordingly,” said Mills.

            Mills is also active with the Clarion Rotary Club and the First United Methodist Church of Clarion; and has served with the Clarion Chamber of Commerce.

            A member of Rotary with perfect attendance since 1962, Mills was the local club’s president in 1968 and was district governor in 1982-83.

            With his church, Mills has served on all of its committees. He is currently chair of the endowment committee. He was also instrumental in establishing the Fourth Avenue Adventure, the church’s mission project to a mobile home park in Clarion.

            The Mills’ have a daughter Deborah Krebs, who resides in Billerica, Mass., with her husband, Christopher, and a son Nicholas.