A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Landon Miller

Portage’s Landon Miller is one of the recent recipients of Indiana University’s (IU) Cox Engagement Scholarship through the university’s Jesse H. and Beulah Chanley Cox Scholars Program. It is a full ride scholarship that evaluates students based on their grades, but also their positive impact on the world. The community work opportunity facilitated by this program aligns with the idea of creating a positive impact.

“It’s a really big honor because we’re given free room and board and free tuition, but we’re also giving back to the community,” Miller said.

In high school, Miller competed in cross country, swimming, and track. He was also involved in several clubs including National Honors Society (NHS), Student Council, and the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

In college, Miller plans to slightly shift his focus from extracurriculars to his classes so he can maintain the scholarship’s required academic standing.

“I mostly want to focus on my studies, especially with my scholarship,” Miller said.

Miller is interested in medicine and, as such, plans to take several science classes at IU his first semester. The classes include biology, psychology, chemistry, and a research lab known as the ASURE Program. Miller is looking forward to all of his classes.

“I’m very excited for my classes, especially psychology and biology classes,” Miller said.

Originally, Miller wanted to be a trauma surgeon and work in the ER. Later he came to the realization that he was more interested in pediatrics.

“I would like to become a pediatric physician and have an opportunity to work with kids,” Miller said.

A good listener with a kind demeanor, Miller is known as the “therapist friend” amongst his group of friends. He plans to use these skills to deliver excellent bedside assistance, because ensuring that a patient is comfortable mentally is just as important to him as physical comfort.

Currently residing with his family in Portage, Miller has moved more than five times in Indiana, including living in Crown Point, Valparaiso, and Cedar Lake to name a few.

Miller has been very involved in volunteering throughout his life. This involvement extends to Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) Youth Camp, Extra Mile Fitness Company Youth Camp, Dr. Alzeidan’s Family Medicine Office, St. Mary’s Medical Center, US Steel Mill’s organized events, the annual Halloween Haunted Hayride, the annual Father’s Day 5K, and more.

As Miller makes his mark on the world in college and beyond, he certainly has a lot to lean on. Between the Jesse H. and Beulah Chanley Cox Scholarship, his extracurriculars, and more, he will have dynamic experiences to inspire him to give back.