Composing his future
Scholarships give senior the freedom to focus on music
Colin Miller, a senior music education major known for his many performances across campus, says a scholarship provided by UWL donors Robert and Janet Roth has allowed him to make the most of his opportunities.
Posted 1:05 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
Snce high school, Colin Miller knew he wanted to become a music teacher. What he did not know was how he would afford to turn that dream into reality.
UW-La Crosse Alumni & Friends Foundation scholarships made all the difference.
Miller, now a UWL senior majoring in music education, received support through the Robert and Janet Roth Scholarship for Music Excellence, in addition to other awards. The scholarships not only made his college education financially feasible but also allowed him to take advantage of opportunities that came his way.
"This scholarship means a great deal to me, especially with how much it has motivated me to pursue music," Miller says. "Thanks to Bob and Janet, I was able to focus solely on school and not have to worry about finding time to work or find other ways to make money to make school a reality."
Without the financial burden of balancing work and school, Miller immersed himself in UWL's music program, performing in a variety of ensembles while gaining valuable teaching experience that has prepared him for his future career.
Members of the UWL community will likely recognize Miller from his performances at commencement, athletic events, holiday concerts and other campus gatherings.
"Every ensemble I would ever want to be a part of or every teaching opportunity I wanted to take, I knew I could do it because I had the time and energy to do so," he says.
That opportunity is exactly what Robert and Janet Roth hoped to create when they established the scholarship.
"We thought that a targeted four-year scholarship would be valuable in attracting students to the department," the Roths say. "Our intent is to help reduce the financial pressure so that students like Colin have the spare time to participate in the performance opportunities that the UWL Music Department has to offer."
In addition to easing financial burdens, the scholarship motivated Miller to excel academically and musically. Many of his scholarships required recipients to maintain strong grades while participating in ensembles, encouraging him to make the most of every opportunity.
One of those opportunities was especially meaningful because it allowed Miller to perform in an ensemble alongside the Roths.
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know and work with the people who helped shape my college experience," Miller says.
Another opportunity that had a lasting impact came off campus. After his freshman year, Miller accepted a position working with the Holmen High School Show Band. Though nervous at first, he grew into the role, returned for a second season and helped the ensemble earn a "Best Band" award at competition. "
After months of hard work and never knowing if what I was doing was right or good enough, we were awarded 'Best Band,'" Miller says. "That is easily what I am most proud of."
The Roths have enjoyed watching Miller embrace the breadth of opportunities within UWL's Music Department.
"It's pleasing to us that Colin has played from jazz to orchestral music, as well as chorus and marching band, in his time at UWL," they say.
Miller will graduate in December and plans to spend the spring traveling while applying for teaching positions. Wherever his career begins, he says the generosity of scholarship donors has made a lasting impact.
"Thank you to Bob and Janet for helping shape my college experience for the better," Miller says. "You not only helped make my dreams of graduating college and becoming a teacher possible, but you also made me a far better musician through this scholarship."
About Foundation scholarships
Through donor support, the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation provides scholarships to hundreds of students each year. These awards reduce financial barriers, empower academic achievement and personal growth, and represent a meaningful investment in the next generation of leaders from UWL.
