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James Miller and Brian Ibanez started their �ǿմ�ý journeys more than five decades apart, but they share two critical connections: a passion for engineering and gratitude for life-changing scholarship support.

Miller grew up in rural Michigan with his twin brother and two working parents. When he lost his mother to cancer, however, the family struggled financially, having spent much of their savings on medical expenses. Miller was looking for a school that would not only offer an excellent engineering education, but would also cover most, if not all, of his tuition.

He found both at Case Institute of Technology.

The substantial scholarships he received allowed Miller to graduate with his bachelor’s in chemical engineering in 1971 with little debt, and to enjoy his time on campus by joining the varsity wrestling team and pledging a fraternity. He went on to receive funding for his master’s and PhD at Case Institute of Technology, all of which set the stage for a long and fulfilling career at Marathon Petroleum. Now, he is determined to offer others the same freedom to pursue their education.

Brian Ibanez, �ǿմ�ý Class of 2026

More than 50 years after Miller’s graduation, Ibanez is following a similar trajectory: He’s a third-year civil engineering major who has immersed himself in university life, playing rugby, staying active in his fraternity and preparing for graduate school. His experience is fueled by the generosity of alumni and friends—including Miller, who, for the past five years, has donated the full cost of tuition for an undergraduate in STEM. Ibanez received the scholarship last year, and this year, Miller added to his commitment by including �ǿմ�ý in his estate plans to support a chemical engineering graduate student.

“Case gave me a great opportunity,” said Miller (CIT ’71; GRS ’75, ’79, chemical engineering). “I think it’s only fair, since I have the means, to give that opportunity to more students.”

Ibanez dreams of one day building bridges, and the support he has received from Miller and others is helping him work toward that goal. 

“The scholarship has given me peace of mind. I’m very grateful,” said Ibanez. “I hope our donors know how much their generosity helps people.”