Christian Messa

Galveston civic leader pledges $250,000 to establish distinguished professorship in pediatric surgery

Miller Distinguished Professorship will be first endowment in pediatric surgery at UTMB

GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston civic leader Dennis E. Miller recently pledged $250,000 to establish the first endowed faculty position in pediatric surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

The Dennis E. Miller Distinguished Professorship in Pediatric Surgery will be awarded to Department of Surgery faculty members who have provided exceptional care to pediatric patients at the academic health center. Miller’s commitment supports UTMB’s Timeless Values, Pioneering Solutions campaign, a five-year, $250 million fund-raising initiative launched in September 2003. Key components of the campaign include teaching the art and science of health care; infectious diseases, biodefense and vaccine development; improved health care access and telehealth; and longevity, chronic diseases and neurological recovery. Miller serves on the Galveston Region Community Campaign Leadership Committee, a volunteer group that helps initiate or strengthen relationships with potential contributors to the initiative.

Dr. John D. Stobo, UTMB president, said the university is fortunate to have supporters like Miller. “Dennis Miller’s remarkable expression of his dedication to UTMB truly reflects his concern for others, his far-sighted vision and his leadership,” Stobo said. “His giving spirit will not only provide much-needed support for the pediatric surgery program but will inspire other friends of the university to think about creative ways to support programs that are of interest to them and that will result in improved health for the people of Texas.”

Dr. Courtney M. Townsend Jr., Department of Surgery chairman and professor and the John Woods Harris Distinguished Chair in Surgery, said, “Dennis Miller has demonstrated outstanding commitment to pediatric surgery at UTMB. This distinguished professorship will allow our department to provide well-deserved recognition to faculty members who have demonstrated compassionate, patient-centered care for this special population.”

Before his retirement in 1981, Miller had been co-owner of Architectural Interiors in Houston, a firm that designs architecture, custom fabrics, interiors and furniture for restaurants, hotels, offices and residences. He moved to Galveston and became involved in the community, serving on the boards of such organizations as the Galveston Historical Foundation, The Grand 1894 Opera House, American Cancer Society – Galveston Unit, Galveston Arts Center, Port of Galveston Cruise Committee and the ad hoc Tourism Committee of the Galveston Parks and Recreation Board of Trustees. Miller also served as chairman of the Arts and Historic Preservation Commission of Galveston and is past president of The Grand 1894 Opera House and American Cancer Society – Galveston Unit.

An avid supporter of UTMB, Miller serves on the UTMB Development Board. The group helps create fund-raising strategies for the university, and its members act as “ambassadors” for the university, assisting in outreach efforts to alumni, patients and other supporters. He recently completed a two-year term as chairman of the President’s Cabinet, an organization of Houston-Galveston area community and business leaders, UTMB faculty and staff, and alumni who provide financial resources to help advance the mission of the academic health center. Miller has also contributed to various UTMB programs, including the Don W. Powell, M.D., Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Pediatric Nursing and the Children’s Hospital Fund.

Miller has been recognized with such awards as the President’s Citation from the American Society of Interior Designers, Star of Hope Award from the AIDS Coalition of Coastal Texas, Leonora Kempner Thompson Community Enrichment Award from The Grand 1894 Opera House and President’s Award from the Galveston Historical Foundation.

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