The Learned Kindred of Currie, a Scottish non-profit organization focused on preserving Celtic heritage and promoting education, has launched the Bill Millin Scholarship & Fund at Iona University. This initiative aims to honor the legacy of Bill Millin by awarding scholarships in his name.

Margaret Gray, a member of the Iona University Pipe Band and part of the class of 2027, is the first recipient of this scholarship. She expressed her appreciation for the award, stating, “This award means so much to me because my heritage is such a big part of my life. My family is from Ireland – specifically, Co. Meath, Longford, Louth, and Antrim – and this scholarship reminds me of all the immigrants in my family who have worked hard to preserve our culture.”

Gray holds the position of social media chair for the Pipe Band and plays the tenor drum. She remarked on her college experience saying, "My college experience would not be the same without the band and the culture it upholds; it has truly given me my best friends."

Robert Currie, Commander of the Name and Arms of Currie, commented on behalf of The Learned Kindred of Currie: "The Learned Kindred of Currie is delighted to be providing this educational scholarship in memory of Bill Millin. Our programs and bursaries support students in their studies and appreciation of our Celtic heritage. We look forward to growing with Iona in the years to come.”

Bill Millin's story is one rooted in history. On June 6, 1944, during World War II's D-Day invasion, he played bagpipes while landing on Sword Beach as a Scottish soldier. His act became an iconic moment that linked past traditions with contemporary conflict and inspired troops through performances like “Hielan' Laddie” and “The Road to the Isles.” Born in Canada on July 14, 1922, Millin moved back to Scotland at age three. He volunteered for military service at 21 during World War II despite regulations against bagpipers in combat. His commanding officer dismissed these rules as English war office directives that did not apply to them.

Millin’s actions were depicted in "The Longest Day," a film released in 1962. He passed away on August 18, 2010.

Iona University was founded in 1940 as a private Catholic institution by Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Located just north of Manhattan across two campuses—New Rochelle (45 acres) and Bronxville (28 acres)—it serves nearly 4,000 students globally with over 50 thousand alumni worldwide committed towards academic excellence alongside justice values alongside peace services among others via diverse offerings ranging from liberal arts sciences business administration master degrees advanced certificates etc., all recognized nationally including rankings like Princeton Review Wall Street Journal Forbes U.S News World Report Georgetown University's Center Education Workforce CEW LaPenta School Business AACSB International Princeton Review NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School Health Sciences collaboration top hospitals County Mayo Ireland Westport House Estate change status College University July1st2022 reflecting growth prestige education provided therein accordingly overall thus far henceforth thereby thereafter etcetera etc..