2010 Grad Drives Ad Van

Niles Graber Miller, a 2010 Bethany grad and current Goshen College student, uses his 1970 VW van as a moving billboard to advertise for Bethany and other local businesses/organizations. It also is a work of art that has used his artistic talents as well as those of other family members, including his mother and cousin Emma Gerig, also a 2010 Bethany grad.

Inspired by friends whose van is painted with peace slogans, Niles decided to do something similiar that would help him earn some extra money for college and at the same time encourage people to shop locally and support downtown businesses. Niles has worked for several downtown businesses while in high school, including Graber Designs Gallery, a family-owned international art and antiques gallery that includes art by his mother (a professional watercolorist and interior designer), his grandmother, three aunts, and a cousin.

In March, while in Cambodia with his parents who were leading a Goshen College study-service unit, Niles purchased a VW van online. He returned to Goshen and spent most of April and May refurbishing the van, and painting it white in preparation for the ads. With limited time during the summer—he was working three different summer jobs—he was finally able to start painting ads by late July. Advertisers quickly filled up most of the space and now nearly all available panels have been sold.

Niles, who is studying business at Goshen College, with a second interdisciplinary major in international studies, history, and graphic design, has enjoyed this creative business venture and may consider purchasing a second van next year.