Eric J. Miller (1984–2016) was a passionate journalist, technologist, and visual storyteller whose global
work—from the halls of DC to the streets of Mumbai—reflected both his creative vision and his generous spirit.
Known for his dedication and generosity, Eric was always willing to share his knowledge, tools, skills, and network with the people and projects he believed in. His legacy lives on through the Eric Miller PantherVision Scholarship, supporting aspiring storytellers committed to excellence, innovation, and truth.
Read on for application details and to learn more about his inspiring journey.
Help Keep Eric’s Legacy Alive
Donate to the Milwaukee Press Club in Eric's name to help expand the scholarship endowment.
The Eric Miller PantherVision Scholarship is designed to empower students with a passion for
journalism, visual storytelling, and social justice.
Key Benefits
Financial Support: $2,000 to fuel your academic pursuits.
Mentorship: Access to mentors from Eric's network of seasoned professionals.
Recognition: A prestigious honor celebrating excellence and compassion.
Eligibility
The competition is open to students at any Wisconsin institution of higher education who have achieved a minimum of sophomore standing
as of the scholarship year, or, if at a technical college, completion of the first year by May of the application year. One student will be selected each year.
Timeline
Applications Open: January 1, 2026
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Winners Announced: May 1, 2026
Selection Criteria
Academic achievement
Evidence of growing skills as a visual storyteller
Commitment to journalism or otherwise speaking truth to power
Embodying the spirit of Eric Miller
To learn more about Eric's inspiring life, please review the material below.
Eric's Career
From the local Apple "genius bar" to the media scrums of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Eric leveraged his skills with technology and visual storytelling to educate and empower people.
He was remarkably versatile; few in the industry can claim to have served as a production assistant on a Bernie Mac film and to have shot and edited exclusive 1:1 interviews with heads of state, including former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. From 2008–2009, he literally circled the globe with British broadcast news presenter Riz Khan, capturing interviews with leaders, celebrities, and visionary news makers as a video news "Preditor," a producer who also shoots and edits.
Gallery
Explore highlights from Eric’s global adventures and unforgettable interviews.
Eric & Bill Gates“Yes, that’s yours truly with Bill freakin' Gates… taken with an iPhone 4, finger over flash… but whatever.” — Eric 2011
On Assignment in MumbaiCapturing street life and interviews for a global broadcast. 2008
Summer in Terracina, ItalyStudying abroad and chasing light on Italy’s western coast. 2005
Eric & Natalie PortmanWhile on student assignment during her early activism. 2004
Reporting in MumbaiOne of several assignments in India in 2008 documenting urban change and culture. 2008
Mumbai ReflectionsA quiet moment between interviews in India’s financial capital. 2008
Mumbai Street SceneCapturing atmosphere and sound ahead of a live segment. 2008
UN General AssemblyEric’s interview setup at the 2008 UNGA. 2008
Eric & Robert FiskCelebrated journalist and war correspondent. 2008
Riz Khan Control RoomThe daily talk show’s live broadcast control room at Al Jazeera English. 2008
Eric & Jesse JacksonAfter filming an interview with the civil rights leader. 2008
Eric & Priyanka ChopraAt the Middle East Film Festival in Dubai. Miss World 2000, now global film star. 2008
Eric & Adrien BrodyAt a film event—Oscar winner for The Pianist. 2008
Eric & Antonio BanderasOn location at a film festival. 2008
Eric & Wallace Shawn“Wally Shawn from The Princess Bride and Toy Story!!! INCONCEIVABLE!!!” — Eric 2009
Eric & Kareem Abdul-JabbarMeeting the NBA legend and cultural ambassador. 2009
Eric & President KhatamiWith Mohammad Khatami, former President of Iran, in a rare western media appearance. 2009
Eric & Stephen HawkingMeeting the brilliant physicist and cultural icon. 2009
Eric & Oliver SacksFilming a One on One episode with the legendary neurologist and author. 2009
Eric & James CameronDirector of Titanic and Avatar. 2010
Eric’s Edit BayWhere Eric cut stories at the Al Jazeera English bureau in Washington, DC. 2011
Eric & Helen ThomasWith the trailblazing White House correspondent. 2011
Milwaukee Press Club AwardEric received this honor for excellence in journalism as a student. 2004
On Assignment in IstanbulEric filming interviews along the Bosphorus. 2009
Why PantherVision?
Eric’s journalism journey started at PantherVision—the student-produced newscast at UWM—where, under
the guidance of mentor and future-friend Mark Zoromski, he honed his skills as a photojournalist,
editor, and producer.
Even after graduation, he remained one of PantherVision’s most dedicated alumnus,
contributing custom animations, technical expertise, and support. His contributions helped
propel PantherVision to a historic Edward R. Murrow Award win.
Eric the Man
Eric's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements; his generosity shone through in nurturing young talent, sharing his knowledge, and even gifting old MacBooks and hard drives to eager learners.
Eric’s colleagues, friends, and family will remember him as a generous friend, a dog lover, a film buff, an amateur astronomer, a proud cheesehead, and even a long-distance cyclist.
Eric loved to take care of people. He could always be counted on for a grand movie night! He'd prepare a great home-made meal and put a Pixar or SciFi film on the largest screen in any livingroom in the neighborhood. He loved making his friends smile and connecting people.
His life inspires us to uplift others, explore the world, enjoy great film, and pursue truth relentlessly.
Eric's Network
In addition to one-time financial support, recipients recieve ongoing access to Eric's professional network.
Below, we've collected a small sample of the people who've offered their time and wisdom to current and future recipients. Are you one of Eric's colleagues?
Sign up to be a member of the scholarship network.
Mark Zoromski
Senior Lecturer, Broadcast Journalism at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee,
Ben Connors
Creative Technologist, Producer, Past: Washington Post, Al Jazeera, McClatchy News
Laura Dyan Kezman
Founder, Director at LionArt Media, Past: National Geographic, Al Jazeera, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Rebecca Byerly
Filmmaker. Journalist. Adventure Athlete, Freelance: Christian Science Monitor, National Geographic, NYT, FT Etc.
Sara Snyder
Sara is a senior producer and creative powerhouse with experience across various roles in media, news, lifestyle and entertainment.
James Wright
Multi-award winning and Emmy Nominated Executive Producer with Aljazeera International. Also held the post of Bureau Manager for the Americas, responsible for 12 bureaus across the region.
A Living Legacy: Past Recipients
Eric was inspired by scientists like Carl Sagan who believed that energy is never lost, only transformed. See how past recipients have carried forward his commitment to ethical journalism and innovative storytelling.
These outstanding scholars have benefited from the Eric Miller PantherVision Scholarship in the past.
2024-2025 Recipient:
Junior Dylan Przybylski of UW-Oshkosh
2023-2024 Recipient:
Senior Veda Kistenmacher of UW-Oshkosh
2022-2023 Recipient 1:
Senior Cameron Knoll from UW-Milwaukee
2022-2023 Recipient 2:
Sophomore TJ Dysart from Marquette University
2018-2019 Recipient:
Stella Porter of UW-Madison
2017-2018 Recipient:
Junior Aleesa Kuznetsov, at the UW-Madison.
Apply Now
If you are driven by a passion for visual storytelling, technical innovation, and making a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply for the Eric Miller PantherVision Scholarship and join a legacy that continues to inspire.