The 2004 DSA recipient is Patrick A. Miles, Jr., a 36 year old Grand Rapids native and partner at law offices of Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP. He was the most deserving candidate for the Distinguished Service Award based on his business career and leadership in the community. His award will be presented at the Grand Rapids Jaycees 75th Anniversary Jubilee at DeVos Place on Saturday, November 20, 2004.
Patrick was born and raised in Grand Rapids. He attended Grand Rapids Public Schools, graduated from Aquinas College and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. Upon graduation from Harvard he joined Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP as an associate in corporate practice. At the age of 29 he became the first African-American and youngest partner in Varnum's 100-year history. His corporate practice includes representing Michigan companies from start up ventures to public multi-national corporations on general corporate matters and mergers and acquisitions. He is general counsel to Aquinas College, local retailers, and several automotive and office furniture industry suppliers.
Patrick has earned an excellent reputation in the West Michigan business and legal communities both for his professional skills and service. In 2002 he was elected by the Grand Rapids Bar Association members to serve as president of the association--the youngest attorney and only the second African-American to hold such office. Aquinas College has elected him to serve on its Board of Trustees at the age of 25. He is currently Vice Chairman and is expected to become Chairman of the Board in the near future.
Patrick has focused his volunteer and philanthropic efforts in four primary areas: education (youth), healthy families, neighborhoods (housing), and diversity (racial and gender). His professional and community work includes serving on the Board of the Inner City Christian Foundation, co-chairing Mayor Heartwell's successful election campaign in 2003, collaborating with Aquinas College, Community Circle Theater and Catholic Secondary Schools to build and use the Performing Arts Center at Aquinas College, helped establish a new, non-denominational multi-culture Christian church in the City of Grand Rapids over 20 years ago where he is a leader in the congregation and provides fill-in sermons from the pulpit, as well as served on many other local community boards and advisory committees.
Patrick has volunteered his time and talents to a myriad of community projects, activities, and agencies, both large and small. His efforts in these endeavors has led to leadership positions in organizations such as the Grand Rapids Bar Association, United Way, Aquinas College, DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation, and many others. In addition, Patrick has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for his involvement in a wide variety of activities in education, inner city neighborhood development, culture, philanthropy and community involvement.
For more information about the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation or how to learn more about DSA or to attend the Jubilee, contact the office at (616) 954-3956, via e-mail at foundation@grjaycees.org or via the chapter webpage located at www.grjaycees.org.
