Cynthia D. Shapira ’77

The brilliant and sometimes fearsome professor emerita of political science Linda B. Miller epitomized Wellesley’s commitment to the value of education with the uncompromisingly high standards she set in her classroom. Professor Miller expected her students to push beyond their limits in their research, writing, and classroom engagement. So, I was surprised and a bit intimidated—but so proud—when she asked me to help her in her role as “Golda’s schlepper” when Golda Meir, former prime minister of Israel, was given an honorary degree at Wellesley in 1976.

Editor’s note: Professor Miller passed away on January 19, 2025 at the Cape Cod Hospital, not far from her beloved home in Wellfleet, Mass. Read her full memorial in the spring 2025 issue of Wellesley magazine.