The Claudia J. Thrush Memorial Scholarship

Juli Herring Miller ’92 honors her friend and sorority sister with a scholarship to support future business leaders

When Juli Herring Miller ’92 (pictured above on the left) thinks back on her college years as a student at Bloomsburg, some of her most enduring memories involve Claudia J. Thrush—a fellow member of the Class of 1992, her Alpha Sigma Tau sorority sister, and a dear friend. Claudia was more than a classmate; she was a force. And now, thanks to Juli’s generosity and deep desire to honor her friend’s memory, Claudia’s legacy will live on through a new endowed scholarship created in her name.

The Claudia J. Thrush Memorial Scholarship will support students from Bloomsburg Area High School who, like Claudia, pursue a degree in accounting or business at Bloomsburg. The fund also establishes a physical memorial on campus—an enduring symbol of Claudia’s influence as a student, alumna, and longtime university leader.

“Claudia was Bloomsburg through and through,” Juli said. “She loved this town. She loved this university. And she gave so much of herself to both. Creating this scholarship felt like the most natural way to honor that.”

Claudia dedicated more than 23 years to Bloomsburg University, rising to the role of Vice President of Finance and Administration. But her journey started long before that. She grew up in Bloomsburg, graduated from the high school just down the road, and returned after earning her degree to help guide the university she loved with skill, integrity, and compassion.

“She exemplified masterful leadership and excelled in her profession,” Juli recalled. “She was one of the most successful friends I had—and I was so very proud of her.”

But Claudia wasn’t just respected; she was beloved. She had a sharp wit, a deep sense of loyalty, and an incredible sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest of days. At Claudia’s memorial service, Juli shared stories that captured her friend’s fierce kindness—like how Claudia quietly brought her leftovers from her waitressing job when college expenses left Juli short on funds.

“She never wanted credit or attention for that kind of thing,” Juli said. “She just did it out of kindness.”

It’s that spirit of quiet generosity that Juli aims to carry forward with this scholarship.

The fund’s criteria reflect Claudia’s values: recipients must demonstrate leadership on campus, maintain academic excellence, and show financial need. For students who meet these qualifications but aren’t pursuing accounting, the scholarship can be awarded as a Professional Experience Grant—ensuring the support remains flexible but impactful. Every recipient will also submit a personal statement each year, keeping Claudia’s legacy personal and meaningful to each student it supports.

In designing the scholarship along with her family, Juli also ensured that Claudia’s impact would be felt beyond finances. A bench and tree on campus now bear plaques in Claudia’s honor, each engraved with an anchor—an enduring symbol of strength, stability, and faithfulness.

“The anchor represents fidelity, truth, loyalty, and support,” Juli said at the dedication. “It symbolizes the gifts Claudia gave to others—her love, her dedication, and her strength.”

For Juli, honoring Claudia means more than remembering a friend—it means passing on her spirit to the next generation of Bloomsburg students. Through this scholarship, Claudia’s story will be told again and again. Her name will be spoken. Her kindness, intelligence, and strength will continue to shape lives.

“She was a force in many lives,” Juli said. “And I am just one tiny speck of glitter that made her brightness shine. Our commitment is to continue honoring her impact and her shining legacy.”

Click here to join Juli in carrying forward Claudia’s legacy and supporting future generations of Bloomsburg students, by making a gift to the Claudia J. Thrush Memorial Scholarship.