Anna Miller of East Prospect was selected to be honorary president of Widener University for one day. (Submitted photo)

Widener University senior Anna Miller is already fielding requests from her friends.

They're hoping she'll do them some favors, maybe get them out of classes.

That's what happens when you're university president for the day.

Miller, an East Prospect native, is taking over the school on Friday. She was selected out of a field of applicants and had to interview for the one-day honorary gig.

The chemistry major will have little time for favor-granting, as she'll be going around Chester talking to the mayor, nonprofit officials and community members about how to improve communication between Chester and the university.

Miller, a 2008 Eastern York High School graduate, has spent her college years doing community service in the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leader scholarship program.

She thinks Widener students who are volunteering would benefit from knowing more about the community they're serving.

"They're going into the community and doing good work, but without really knowing about Chester," Miller said.

She also is hoping to get more students connected with Widener alumni. And there will be some fun social time, too, as Miller will get to hold an ice cream social for the campus.

In exchange, President James Harris III will spend part of his day in Miller's shoes. Fortunately or unfortunately for him, that will involve taking calculus and chemistry courses.

"He was a history major," Miller said with a laugh.

Miller is the 10th student who has had the chance to serve as president for the day in a tradition dating back to 2002.

-- Reach Andrew Shaw at 505-5431 or ashaw@yorkdis patch.com, or on Twitter @ydb logwork