Updated 6:50 p.m.

CANTON -- Richard W. Miller, who dedicated 65 years to SUNY Canton and was a distinguished professor of electrical engineering technology for 37 years, died unexpectedly today at his West Main Street home.

He was 93.

The professor emeritus was one of the largest donors ever to SUNY Canton and the $12 million campus center opened in 2002 was named in his honor.

As recently as this summer, Miller was fighting for the institution as SUNY officials attempted to fire Pres. Joeseph L. Kennedy and have one president oversee both SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam.

"I will do my very best to fight against any resolution that the SUNY Board of Trustees approves eliminating campus presidents. Their resolutions make no managerial sense whatsoever,” he said at the time. “I did not give more than $1 million to this college to see it run by anyone but its own president.”

He added that he was “1,000 percent in favor” of the Canton College Foundation's resolution against the move.

Late last year, following objections from college staffers, politicians and students, the SUNY Board of Trustees agreed to maintain the presidencies at both SUNY Canton and Potsdam. However, the board mandated both institutions to work together to share resources and reduce costs to increase funds spent on academics.

"Dick's passing saddens me greatly," said Kennedy. "In addition to being one of the most respected individuals at the College, he and his wife Irene were personal friends of my family. I'm certain many would join me in saying that their lives have been enriched through his friendship and ongoing dedication to the College and greater Canton Community."

Miller began teaching at SUNY Canton (then known as the Agricultural and Technical Institute) on June 7, 1946. He was a professor and Department Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Technology Department. In 1975, he was named an Outstanding Educator in America and the year following he won the State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

In 1982, he received the SUNY Canton College Council's Distinguished Faculty Award, and in 1990 the Council presented him with the Distinguished Citizen Award. He organized the SUNY Canton chapter of Tau Alpha Pi National Honor Society for Engineering Technology and was an esteemed advisor to the Alpha chapter of the Theta Gamma Fraternity. He retired in 1983.

"Dick was one of the most influential faculty members to ever teach at SUNY Canton," Kennedy said. "He assisted countless generations of successful graduates during his career. After he retired, he created scholarships to benefit incoming students. His legacy will live on across the campus."

In 2003, Mr. Miller became the first donor in College history to make a million dollar donation to the SUNY Canton Foundation. His unrestricted donation led the college to name the then newly constructed campus center in his honor.

"I have had three loves of my life: The first, my wife Irene; the second, my family; and the third, this College," Mr. Miller said at the Richard W. Miller Campus Center Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

He followed his donation with an additional $50,000 gift to the College in honor of his longstanding friendship with the Kennedys in 2010. Combined with his annual scholarship, Mr. Miller donated more than $1.6 million to SUNY Canton.

"Mr. Miller's profound impact on SUNY Canton can be seen from anywhere on campus," said Director of Alumni and Development Peggy S. Levato. "His generosity allowed us to make immeasurable progress at the College. He gave his time and heart to this college and for that, we will forever be indebted to him."

"Dick was truly one of a kind. His contributions to SUNY Canton and the community cannot be measured in mere dollars,” said SUNY Canton College Council Chair Ronald M. O'Neill. “Teacher, mentor, friend, supporter, Dick was all these and much more. For more than six decades, Dick gave of his time, energy and money to ensuring SUNY Canton would continue to grow and flourish."

Many alumni and current students knew Mr. Miller through his frequent involvement in campus following his retirement. In the past year he was a guest of honor at the College's Kingston Fireplace Dedication, Holiday Luncheon, Scholarship Luncheon, and Alumni Weekend Celebration, among others. He attended his 65th consecutive commencement ceremony in 2011.

In 1976, Miller received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The prior year, he was named an Outstanding Educator in America.

He was an advisor to the Alpha chapter of the Theta Gamma Fraternity, a post he had held since 1948. In recent years he had been an active member of the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Among his survivors are his three daughters, Karen, Cheryl and Michele. His wife Irene died in 2000.

Arrangements are incomplete with the Lawrence Funeral Home.