LONGTIME OCCIDENTAL ATHLETICS AND WOMEN’S LAX SUPPORTER DIES AT 83

November 30th, 2011 | by Alica Story |

based adhesive manufacturer into a Fortune 500 company during his 21 years at the helm.

The success he enjoyed as a leader and innovator in business, extended to his charitable work as well.

Miller was known for his generosity and was quick to share his good fortune, particularly with the Tigers.

In 2010, Miller made a significant donation to Occidental athletics that helped start the school’s varsity women’s lacrosse program, giving countless women the opportunity to play the sport on the West Coast.

Since winning two games in it’s inaugural season, the team has made two Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s postseason tournaments, had nine players named to the All-Conference team (four that were underclassmen or playing the sport for the first time) and last year had its best finish with six wins, including milestone victories on the road and against national competition.

“The Miller’s passion for lacrosse has been impressive, as well as their desire to afford competitive and character-building opportunities to women through sports,” Occidental lacrosse coach Michele Uhlfelder. “They have consistently worked to back the sport and provide playing opportunities. The sport of lacrosse has lost a great friend and west coast pioneer.”

Miller’s passion for lacrosse started while he studied at Johns Hopkins University in the late 1940s, a love he brought with him when he moved west to live and work in Pasadena.

Miller has funded scholarships at Johns Hopkins and Occidental and contributed time and resources to various causes, including the United Way in the Greater Los Angeles area. But for him, his work with lacrosse was amongst the most satisfying.

“He left his deepest mark through his support of a variety of sports and arts organizations, medical institutions and educational programs for children, and was devoted to promoting liberal arts education,” his family wrote in a letter informing friends and family of his passing.

Thanks to Miller’s initial contribution, the program is now nationally competitive and attracts players from around the nation.

“I speak on behalf of Occidental College and the hundreds of women’s lacrosse players who will now be afforded the opportunity to participate in the women’s lacrosse program on our campus because of the vision and support of Chuck Miller,” Occidental College athletic director Jaime Hoffman said. “He and his wife Carolyn’s passion for lacrosse was instantly contagious. Every decision we have made since our program’s inception was done so with the intent to serve the Miller’s well.”

Sophomore lacrosse player Emily Fowler, and many others, would not have been able to enjoy lacrosse at Oxy if it weren’t for the Miller’s.

“I can confidently say on behalf of our entire team that our college experience would not have been what it is today without The Miller Family’s generous donation,” Fowler said. “He has given us the opportunity to start our own Division III program, to grow as friends and as teammates, to challenge other schools, and ultimately to grow as student athletes.”

Chuck is survived by his wife of 29 years Carolyn, his five daughters and his seven grandchildren.

 ”Our visits with Chuck along the way will forever be remembered,” Hoffman said. “From his stories of his Johns Hopkins days to his observations as a spectator at Jack Kemp Stadium, watching the program he began improve from year to year. “

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