New BYU Alumni President Aims to Strengthen Connections Through Community Engagement

Derek Miller, who serves as the president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, has taken on a significant new role as the president of the BYU Alumni Association. He shared his insights on this exciting position during a recent appearance on the “Y’s Guys” livestream show, reflecting on the importance of community engagement and alumni connection at Brigham Young University.

Recounting his own experiences as a BYU graduate, Miller emphasized how powerful school spirit can be in fostering relationships among alumni. He recalled a memorable tailgate event in 2000 when the BYU football team played in Virginia, stating, “We all drove down to Charlottesville... It was like a whole new part of the BYU sports experience.” This sense of community is something he hopes to enhance as he leads the alumni association.

As BYU looks ahead to the 2026 football season, Miller's goal is to deepen the ties between former students and current communities. He believes that while sports are a significant draw, service projects conducted during road games have been a remarkable way to leave a lasting impression. “It’s not just a game that came to town... This leaves a mark on their hearts that they will never forget,” he noted, highlighting the positive impact of these initiatives.

This fall, BYU will host service projects and tailgates in various cities, including Fort Collins, Colorado, and Orlando, Florida. Miller aims to broaden these outreach efforts beyond sports, incorporating the arts and music. He stated, “We are talking now when our musicians... are going into these communities across the country,” making it a more inclusive experience for all alumni.

Tradition continues as BYU plans to distribute free ice cream to visiting fans at their games, a practice that has become a beloved gesture. Miller shared a lighthearted moment from last season when Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles joined him in this fun initiative, further illustrating the community spirit that Miller hopes to cultivate as he leads the BYU alumni.

With over half a million alumni worldwide, Miller's message to the newest graduates was clear: “You can make a name for Christ in the world,” encouraging them to embrace the unique experiences that BYU offers and use them to make a positive impact.