For 20 years, Mildred ‘Milly’ Eggers was iconic around the Syracuse University campus, serving as first lady. She was a strong believer in continuing education and a patron of University College.

And Milly often oversaw the decorating of dormitories or served as a celebrity judge for student competitions, said Eleanor Ware, vice president for human services and government relations.

‘What a hostess,’ said Mary O’Brien, assistant university archivist, of the late Mrs. Eggers. ‘They were a team.’

One year, the football team was in town on Thanksgiving preparing for a game and, because the students couldn’t go home for the holiday, the chancellor and his wife had the team over for dinner, according to O’Brien.

‘She was the first lady and she opened their house to entertaining,’ Ware said. ‘There were many events, and she was a wonderful hostess and very gregarious.’

Those who knew Milly recall her openness and willingness to welcome others into the chancellor’s home.

Jerry Miner, economics professor and a friend of the Eggers’, said it was the chancellor, then chair of the economics department, and Milly who helped he and Mrs. Miner get their bearings and feel welcomed upon arriving at SU.

As first lady, Milly made sure she had an effect on the students passing through. According to Ware, a student once remarked, ‘she is like my grandma.’

Published on March 6, 2007 at 12:00 pm